KOTA, July 25, 2024 – NEET aspirants in India’s major coaching hubs expressed disappointment over the Union Budget 2024, which maintained the 18% GST on coaching fees, despite calls for financial relief. This decision has intensified financial pressures on students and their families.
Reactions from NEET Aspirants and Parents
The Union Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, did not address the longstanding demand to reduce the GST on coaching fees, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among students and parents.
Union Budget 2024 Disappoints NEET Aspirants
- Vaishnavi, a NEET aspirant from Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, stated, “Education is a right; there should be no tax on it. Reducing the GST on coaching fees could have relieved financial pressure on our parents.”
Mahendra Solanki from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, emphasized the need for interest-free education loans. “Education loans should be interest-free to truly support students from financially weak backgrounds.”
Despite these concerns, some aspects of the budget were appreciated. The 3% interest rate reduction on education loans was seen as a positive step, although it did not fully address the broader issue of educational affordability.
NEET aspirants Mixed Reactions
The budget’s mixed reception underscores the diverse perspectives within the community. While some measures were welcomed, the overarching sentiment among NEET aspirants was one of disappointment due to the lack of significant financial relief.
Sushil Kumar, a parent, termed the budget “not very fulfilling,” highlighting the lack of significant changes for the middle class.
Dr. Laxman Lal Gurjar, a surgeon from Bundi, appreciated the budget’s focus on reducing prices for medical drugs and equipment but called for more substantial tax reliefs to support advanced medical research in small and medium hospitals.
Implications
The budget’s mixed reception underscores the diverse perspectives within the community. While some stakeholders appreciated specific measures, the overarching sentiment among NEET aspirants was one of disappointment.
Sayam Dadich, a 20-year-old CA Intermediate aspirant and stock market investor, found the budget partially helpful for students but disappointing for young investors due to increased tax rates on investments.
NEET UG 2024 and Exam Integrity
The controversy surrounding NEET UG 2024, where an unprecedented number of students scored perfect marks, raised doubts about the exam’s integrity. Aspirants had hoped for budget allocations to strengthen examination agencies and ensure fair, scam-free exams, but these expectations were unmet.
Future Prospects
The Union Budget 2024’s failure to address the 18% GST on coaching fees has left many NEET aspirants and their families seeking more comprehensive financial relief. As the community continues to navigate these challenges, there is a growing call for future policies to better support educational affordability and accessibility in India.
