NCPCR Issues Notice After NEET Center In Kerala Asks Girl Students To Remove Undergarment Before Entering Examination Hall

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has issued a notice to the District Collector, Kollam seeking "Action Taken Report" after a 17-year-old female NEET aspirant and few others were allegedly asked to remove their innerwear before entering the exam Centre in Kollam District of Kerala.

The NCPCR Commission has sought statements of the affected children and information regarding the staff involved and action taken against them.

"…the Commission is of the view that the above mentioned incident amounts to grave harassment of children appearing for the exam in the name of frisking and checking. Therefore, the Commission requests your good office to inquire into the matter as to how many children were affected in similar manner on 17th July, 2022 during checking/frisking of aspirants appearing in NEET Examination. You are further requested to furnish statements of the affected children and inform the Commission about the staff involved and action taken against them.", the notice issued by the NCPCR read.

NCPCR is a commission which is tasked with the responsibility to protect child rights.

The matter pertains to an incident where some girl students appearing at the NEET medical entrance exam in Kerala were allegedly forced to take off their bra during the security check at the exam centre.

It was alleged that the girls were asked by the security personnel to remove their innerwear before entering the examination hall because of the metallic hook. It was further alleged that when the girls resisted, they were told that they won't be allowed to appear for the exam. It is reported that the girl candidates had to then go to a small dark room in the examination centre and remove their innerwear and then write the examination.

There were huge protests in the state after the incident was reported in the media. It was alleged that the girls were under great mental stress while writing the examination after the incident. Yesterday, the protest turned violent and the protesters damaged the school where the NEET examination was conducted.

The NCPCR has sought the "Action Taken Report" from the District Collectors' office along with relevant documents within 3 days.

"An Action Taken Report along with relevant documents may be shared with the Commission within 03 days of receipt of this letter.", the Notice further read.

Click here to read/download the Notice