NEET mandatory for Physiotherapy courses: Karnataka Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil
Bengaluru, April 25 (PTI): Karnataka Minister for Medical Education and Skill Development Sharan Prakash Patil on Friday announced that admissions to physiotherapy courses will now come under the purview of NEET, aligning with the national move towards standardised medical education.
Additionally, the course duration has been extended to five years to enable competency-based learning and deeper clinical exposure, he said.
Speaking at the inauguration of Karnataka Physiocon-25, an international conference on physiotherapy held here, Patil expressed the state government's support for including physiotherapy course admissions under the ambit of NEET.
We welcome the integration of physiotherapy courses under NEET, which will enhance academic quality and professional standards, he was quoted as saying in a statement.
Addressing over 10,000 students at the event, Patil highlighted the pivotal role physiotherapists play across the healthcare spectrumfrom childbirth to elderly care.
Physiotherapists today contribute significantly to neuro and orthopaedic rehab, cardiopulmonary care, paediatrics, disability support, sports medicine, fitness, and community-based care, he noted.
He also detailed the state's plans to introduce physiotherapy courses in more government colleges to meet the growing domestic and international demand for trained professionals.
Present at the event, Yagna Shukla, Chairperson of the National Commission for Allied and Health Professionals, said the commission was planning to introduce the One Nation, One Curriculum initiative in physiotherapy education. She said the curriculum reforms would set a golden standard and elevate the profession, offering far-reaching benefits for students and practitioners alike.
The conference saw participation from global experts, with speakers from Israel, Australia, and Nepal, alongside 50 national experts sharing insights with delegates. Over 800 research papers were presented during the event, making it one of the largest platforms for physiotherapy professionals in the region.
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22 Naxalites surrender in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district
Sukma (PTI): As many as 22 Naxalites surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Tuesday, police said.
The cadres, including a woman, turned themselves in before senior police and CRPF officials here under the `Poona Margem' (New Dawn) rehabilitation scheme of the government, Sukma Superintendent of Police Kiran Chavan said.
The Maoists' influence is steadily declining in the district due to the ongoing anti-Naxal operations, establishment of new security camps and the increased reach of development projects, he said.
The District Reserve Guard (DRG) Sukma, District Force Sukma, Range Field Team (RFT) Jagdalpur and the Central Reserve Police Force played a key role in encouraging the Naxalites to surrender, the SP said.
The surrendered Naxalites were provided an assistance of Rs 50,000 each and will be further rehabilitated as per the government's policy, he added.
More than 1,500 Naxalites surrendered in the state in 2025.
The Centre has resolved to eliminate Naxalism from the country by March 31, 2026.
