Nagaland Law Students’ Federation backs NSF on NEET admission row, seeks probe into alleged quota violation

DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Law Students’ Federation (NLSF) has extended support to the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) over alleged irregularities in the admission of a NEET 2025 candidate, Vatsala Panghal, reportedly seeking a seat under the Nagaland state quota.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NLSF urged the Directorate of Technical Education and other competent authorities to conduct an immediate review of the candidate’s eligibility, with particular focus on permanent residency, compliance with state quota norms, and verification of Indigenous Inhabitant status.

The federation stated that if the alleged irregularities were proven, they would amount to violations of constitutional safeguards under Articles 15(4), 16(4), and 46, which mandate protection of the educational and economic interests of disadvantaged groups.

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It further cautioned that such admissions, if obtained through fraudulent documentation, would contravene the principles of natural justice and equality under Article 14, while also undermining the state’s reservation framework and depriving deserving Indigenous candidates of opportunities.

The federation called for a comprehensive inquiry into all NEET 2025 admissions under the Indigenous quota, with special attention to document verification. It demanded that any admissions found to be secured through fraudulent means be revoked, accompanied by legal action against those involved.

Further, the NLSF urged the government to strengthen the verification mechanism for Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates and Scheduled Tribe Certificates through mandatory cross-checks, take disciplinary measures against erring officials, and establish a transparent grievance redressal cell to address complaints raised by Indigenous candidates.