The storm of discontent among West Bengal’s JEE Main aspirants has found a powerful voice in BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar, who has petitioned for the exam’s postponement. Citing a perfect storm of post-cyclone chaos, power shortages, and disrupted coaching schedules, Majumdar argues that proceeding as planned would be a grave injustice.
Speaking to reporters in Alipurduar, the outspoken leader detailed how Cyclone Remal’s devastation has crippled infrastructure. ‘Roads are still waterlogged, electricity erratic, and internet connectivity a luxury in many districts. How can we expect students to compete on equal footing?’ he questioned, flanked by affected families.
Over 1.5 lakh students from West Bengal are registered for the crucial engineering entrance test, many of whom rely on online resources and mock tests now rendered inaccessible. Coaching institutes in Howrah and Asansol report a 40% drop in attendance since the cyclone hit in May. Majumdar has written directly to Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attaching affidavits from over 5,000 students.
Opposition to the demand comes from some quarters within the state education department, which claims normalcy has returned. However, ground reports paint a different picture: blocked rail routes, flooded exam centers, and mental health strains on students. This echoes the 2023 NEET controversy, where similar pleas were dismissed, resulting in lawsuits.
Majumdar’s intervention has sparked a social media blitz, with #PostponeJEEMainWB trending nationwide. Influencers and alumni from IITs and NITs have joined the chorus, amplifying the message. ‘Engineering dreams shouldn’t drown in political apathy,’ tweeted a former JEE topper.
With the NTA’s window for changes closing fast, pressure mounts on decision-makers. A postponement could ripple across other states facing similar issues, prompting a review of NTA’s rigid policies. For now, West Bengal’s students hold their breath, their futures hanging in the balance of this high-stakes standoff.
