Won’t Accept Compensation Until NEET is Scrapped: Anitha’s Family

For this poor Dalit family in a remote village, this is a big decision.

The family of S Anitha, the medical aspirant who committed suicide on Friday, has refused to accept the Rs 7 lakh compensation announced by the state, reports The New Indian Express.

According to reports, Ariyalur district collector G Lakshmipriya visited Anitha's family and repeatedly attempted to hand over the cheque. Shortly after her death, Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami had announced a monetary compensation and also promised a government job for one member of their family.

The family has reportedly refused to accept the amount and vowed to not take any benefit from the government till the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test or NEET is scrapped in total.

Also Read: Students Protest Over Suicide of Anitha Who Took NEET Fight to SC

Sendurai inspector K Karunanidhi told TNIE:

The Collector tried to convince Anitha’s family that it is not in her hands to ban NEET and again tried to persuade them into accepting the solatium. But the family was firm in their decision.

For this poor Dalit family from a remote village, this is a strong decision. The family survives on Anitha’s father Shanmugham’s income, who is a casual labourer, and her brother Sathish, who works in a bank.

Anitha has four brothers — Maniratnam, Sathish, Pandian and Arun. While Arun and Pandian study Engineering in Ariyalur and Tiruchi, Maniratnam is preparing for the UPSC exam.

Also Read: NEET Not the End of the World: TN Health Secy After Anitha’s Death

Despite their meagre means, Shanmugham has always wanted the best of education for his children. And when Anitha told him she wanted to become a doctor, he did everything in his power to make it happen.

However, after she failed to clear NEET and obtain the requisite marks for a medical seat, the girl – who took the fight against NEET to the Supreme Court – was found dead in her home.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Protests for Anitha: Demands That NEET Be Scrapped

(This story was first published on The News Minute. It has been republished with permission.)

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