In a student-friendly move, the Punjab Government has announced that all NEET UG candidates appearing for the re-examination on June 21 will be allowed free travel on Punjab Roadways buses to reach their respective examination centres. The announcement was shared by Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on X, where he confirmed that the state government has decided to provide free bus services for NEET aspirants from June 20 to June 22.
Kejriwal said the decision came after several students raised concerns about the financial difficulties faced by candidates, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, in arranging travel to exam centres. According to him, some students had specifically appealed for assistance, pointing out that even basic travel expenses can be a burden for many families.
Sharing a video message, Kejriwal added that he discussed the matter with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during his visit to the state. Following the discussion, the Chief Minister agreed to waive bus fares for all NEET candidates during the exam period.
Explaining the move, Mann said, "Many poor students take the NEET exam. They don't even have the money to pay for the fare to get to the exam centre. When Arvind Kejriwal spoke to the NEET students recently, they requested help. Therefore, the Punjab government has decided to waive the fare for all students taking the NEET exam in all Punjab Roadways buses on June 20, 21 and 22. Show your admit card and you won't be charged a ticket," Mann said in a video shared by Kejriwal.
Punjab CM also extended his best wishes to students appearing for the upcoming medical entrance examination. Kejriwal encouraged them to take the exam with confidence and without any stress.
Decision after students flag concerns
The decision comes after concerns were raised by students regarding the cost of travel after the NEET UG examination held on May 3 was cancelled due to allegations of irregularities in the exam process. The re-exam has now been scheduled for June 21.
Earlier, Kejriwal responded to students’ concerns in this regard. In a video message on X, he said he would raise the issue with the Punjab Chief Minister after interacting with aspirants who shared their difficulties.
"Some children have written that they do not have enough money to afford bus fare. I am going to Punjab tomorrow and will speak to Bhagwant Mann so that at least in Punjab, bus travel can be made free for students on the day of the examination," he said.
