‘Exorbitant private college fees deny underprivileged access to medical courses’

‘Exorbitant private college fees deny underprivileged access to medical courses’




The number of candidates aspiring to study MBBS has gone up from 16 lakh in 2019 to 24 lakh in 2024, the Survey says. Getty Images

Maitri Porecha

New Delhi 01.02.2025

Skyrocketing fees for undergraduate medical education remain a considerable challenge that denies the opportunity to make the MBBS degree accessible and affordable for students from less privileged backgrounds, the Economic Survey says.

The number of medical colleges grew from 499 in the financial year 2018-19 to 648 in 2022-23 to 780 in 2024-25, during which MBBS seats increased from 70,012 in 2018-19 to 96,077 in 2022-23 to 1,18,137 in 2024-25 and postgraduate seats from 39,583 in 2018-19 to 64,059 in 2022-23 to 73,157 in 2024-25.

Despite the National Medical Commission issuing guidelines for determination of fees and all other charges in respect of 50% of seats in private medical institutions and deemed-to-be universities, fees remain high ranging from ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore or even more in the private sector, which holds 48% of the MBBS seats, the Survey notes.

The number of candidates aspiring to study MBBS has increased consistently over the years, from around 16 lakh in 2019 to around 24 lakh in 2024.

The very low pass percentage of foreign medical graduates in the qualifying exam for practising in India (16.65% of 2,02,385 students) indicates sub-par quality of medical education abroad.

“As policy intervention to dissuade medical education abroad is crafted, keeping costs in India within reasonable limits is essential,” the survey points out.

The availability of opportunities for medical education is geographically skewed, apparent from the fact that 51% of undergraduate seats and 49% of postgraduate seats are in the southern States, the Survey says.

Also, the Survey points out that market estimates indicate that remuneration of fresh graduates is around ₹5 lakh a year and senior doctors earn between ₹12.5 lakh and ₹18.4 lakh a year in cities.

MUHS chalks out plan to prevent paper leaks

MUHS chalks out plan to prevent paper leaks 

Ranjan.Dasgupta@timesofindia.com 12.01.2025

Nashik : The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences has formulated a new plan to prevent question paper leaks during the upcoming MBBS third year (paper I and II) examinations that kick off on Jan 18. Now, the question papers will no longer be transported by road to the 50 exam centres across the state. Instead, they will be sent to all these exam centres using special software. Moreover, all examinees will have to report to their designated exam centres one hour before the start of the exam. 

Earlier, examinees were required to report 30 minutes before the start of the exam. “Two invigilators, assigned by the health sciences university, at each centre would be allowed to download the soft copy of the question papers after verifying their identities using a onetime password (OTP) about 30 minutes before the examination. Thereafter, printouts of the question papers would be generated using high-end printers,” said MUHS authorities. 

The new plan has been put in place following question paper leaks during the MBBS examination that had taken place in Dec 2024. The Nashik city police are investigating the issue following a complaint lodged by the varsity. MUHS VC Lt Gen Dr Madhuri Kanitkar (retd) said the varsity has taken up this new system on a pilot basis to ensure that there are no question papers leaks.

NEET UG spl stray vacancy round 3 to start today

NEET UG spl stray vacancy round 3 to start today

 Mumbai : 23.12.2024 

The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) gears up for the NEET UG 2024 special stray vacancy round 3, a last-ditch effort to fill the voids in all-India and state quota seats for MBBS, BDS, and BSc nursing programs, which opens on Monday. This round comes with a catch — no fresh registrations will be entertained, marking a decisive close to the admissions scramble. The round is being held after new seats were added to a few medical colleges in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal in the first week of Nov. 

As per the official schedule, the choice-filling process for NEET UG 2024 round 3 will open on Monday at 11am. Registered candidates can log in to MCC's official portal, using their NEET UG roll number, password, and security pin to access the choice-filling window. Candidates must finalize their choices by the closing deadline, Tuesday 11 am. Following this, the seat allotment process will proceed, with results set to be announced the same day. Those who secure a seat must report to their assigned colleges between Dec 25 and 30, with a firm cutoff of 5pm, for completing the admission process. Parent representative Sudha Shenoy said, “It is unclear why new seats were added at this juncture. Admissions that ought to have ended in Sept are still going on.” In the case of homeopathy and ayurveda, new colleges have been approved and a stray round has been announced for those courses too.

Tearful adieu to medical students killed in road accident

Tearful adieu to medical students killed in road accident

Health Minister Veena George and others paying tributes to five first-year MBBS students when their bodies were kept on the Alappuzha Government Medical College campus on Tuesday. SURESH ALLEPPEY

Sam Paul A.ALAPPUZHA  04.12.2024 

A sombre atmosphere enveloped the Alappuzha Government Medical College campus on Tuesday as the bodies of five first-year MBBS students, who lost their lives in a road accident, were brought to the central library building.

The building corridor, bustling with activity until Monday, was filled with grieving family members, friends, teachers, and members of the public who gathered to mourn the loss and pay their last respects.

Devanandan from Kottakkal in Malappuram, Sreedeep Valsan from Shekharipuram in Palakkad, Ayush Shaji from Kavalam in Alappuzha, Muhammed Ibrahim P.P. from Andrott island in Lakshadweep, and Muhammed Abdul Jabbar from Muttom in Kannur were killed when the car they were travelling in veered onto the other lane and collided with a Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus coming from opposite direction at Kalarcode in Alappuzha around 9.30 p.m. on Monday.

Six injured

Six other students—Anand Manu, Krishadev, Alvin, Muhsin, Gouri Shankar and Shane—who were in the car sustained injuries, with the first three remaining in critical condition. The students were heading for Alappuzha in a rented car to watch a movie.

Following the post-mortem examinations, the bodies were brought to the library building before noon. Family members and friends, many in shock and disbelief, were overcome with emotion, finding it difficult to control their tears.

“We have only been together for about two months, but we became like family. I cannot believe this has happened,” said a distraught first-year student.

Ibrahim, one of the victims, had recently secured admission to the medical college by cracking the NEET-UG exam on his first attempt.

“We are all shocked. He was supposed to become the backbone of his family, but fate had other plans,” said a family friend. The bodies were later transported to the victims’ native places. Ibrahim’s body was buried at a mosque graveyard in Ernakulam.

The crash site was less than 10 km from the medical college campus.

The Motor Vehicles department attributed the accident to reckless driving by the student behind the wheel of the car. “Gouri Shankar who drove the car (who was also injured in the accident) obtained his driving licence less than six months ago. He was inexperienced. The car lacked an anti-lock braking system. When he applied the brakes, the vehicle skidded on the wet road and rammed the bus,” said A.K. Dilu, Regional Transport Officer, Alappuzha.

Mr. Dilu said the seven-seater car was carrying 11 people.

“The students had taken the car from an unauthorised rent-a-car facility. We have identified the owner of the facility and summoned him for questioning,” Mr. Dilu said, adding that steps would be initiated to suspend the driving licence of Gouri Shankar.

Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Health Minister Veena George, Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian, Agriculture Minister P. Prasad and others paid their last respects.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in a statement in Thiruvananthapuram, said the deaths of the medical students had deeply saddened Kerala. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan expressed his condolences.

Case against driver

Meanwhile, the police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) naming the KSRTC driver as an accused.

However, officials clarified that the FIR was registered based on preliminary information and it could be changed based on CCTV footage and witness statements.

NMC warns students eyeing pvt medical colleges abroad

NMC warns students eyeing pvt medical colleges abroad

DurgeshNandan.Jha@timesofindia.com 02.12.2024

New Delhi : National Medical Commission (NMC) has warned aspiring students against choosing to study in private medical colleges abroad that do not adhere to regulations laid down by it. In 2021, NMC published Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiates (FMGL) Regulations. It states that no foreign medical graduate shall be granted registration to practice in India unless she or he has undergone a course leading to foreign medical degree with a minimum duration of 54 months and an internship for a minimum duration of 12 months in the same foreign medical institution.

The NMC regulation also stated that the entire course, training and internship or clerkship, shall be done outside India in the same foreign medical institution throughout the course of study and no part of medical training and internship shall be done in India or in any country other than the country from where the primary medical qualification is obtained. As Indian students continued to seek admission in noncomplying colleges abroad, NMC has issued another warning. “Any variation in duration, medium of instructions, syllabus, clinical training or internship may lead to disqualification in grant of registration in India,” the NMC said.

வெளிநாட்டில் எம்.பி.பி.எஸ்: இந்திய மாணவர்கள் தெரிந்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டிய முக்கிய அம்சங்கள்

வெளிநாட்டில் எம்.பி.பி.எஸ்: இந்திய மாணவர்கள் தெரிந்துக்கொள்ள வேண்டிய முக்கிய அம்சங்கள்

தேசிய மருத்துவ ஆணையம் (NMC) வெளிநாட்டில் மருத்துவக் கல்வி பெற விரும்பும் இந்திய மாணவர்களுக்கு ஒரு ஆலோசனையை வெளியிட்டுள்ள நிலையில் FMGL விதிமுறைகள், 2021 ஐ கடைபிடிக்குமாறு வலியுறுத்தியுள்ளது.

29 Nov 2024 11:46 IST

வெளிநாட்டில் மருத்துவம் படிக்கும் மாணவர்களுக்கான அறிவிப்பு

தேசிய மருத்துவ ஆணையம் (என்.எம்.சி), தனது சமீபத்திய ஆலோசனையில், வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ நிறுவனங்களில் சேர விரும்பும் இந்திய மாணவர்களுக்கு முக்கிய அறிவிப்பு வெளியிட்டுள்ளது.

முன் எச்சரிக்கைகள் இருந்தபோதிலும், பல மாணவர்கள் என்.எம்.சி நிர்ணயித்த தரங்களை பூர்த்தி செய்யாத வெளிநாடுகளில் உள்ள தனியார் மருத்துவக் கல்லூரிகளில் தொடர்ந்து சேர்கின்றனர்.

வெளிநாட்டில் கல்வியை முடித்த பிறகு இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவத் தொழிலைத் தொடர விரும்பும் மாணவர்களுக்கு இந்த தரநிலைகள் முக்கியமானவை. என்.எம்.சி நிர்ணயித்த விதிமுறைகளைப் பின்பற்றாத வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவக் கல்லூரிகளுக்கு விண்ணப்பிக்கும் மாணவர்கள் தொடர்பான பிரச்சனைகளை குறித்து அறிவிப்பு வெளியிட்டுள்ளது.

முந்தைய பல எச்சரிக்கைகள் இருந்தபோதிலும், பல மாணவர்கள் இன்னும் வெளிநாடுகளில் உள்ள தனியார் மருத்துவக் கல்லூரிகளில் சேருகிறார்கள், அவை தேசிய மருத்துவ ஆணையத்தால் நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்ட தரங்களை கடைபிடிக்கவில்லை என்று என்.எம்.சி குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளது.

இந்த நிறுவனங்கள் பெரும்பாலும் பாடநெறியின் காலம், பாடத்திட்டம், பயிற்றுவிப்பு ஊடகம் மற்றும் மருத்துவ பயிற்சி அல்லது இன்டர்ன்ஷிப் தொடர்பான NMC வழிகாட்டுதல்களைப் பின்பற்றத் தவறிவிடுகின்றன.

வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ பட்டதாரி உரிமங்கள் (FMGL) விதிமுறைகள்: NMC ஆனது FMGL விதிமுறைகள், 2021 ஐ நிறுவியுள்ளது, இது வெளிநாட்டில் படிப்பதற்கும் இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவம் பயிற்சி செய்வதற்கும் அத்தியாவசிய அளவுகோல்களை பரிந்துரைக்கிறது. இந்த விதிமுறைகள் படிப்பின் காலம், பயிற்று மொழி, பாடத்திட்டம் மற்றும் மருத்துவ பயிற்சி அல்லது இன்டர்ன்ஷிப் தேவைகள் ஆகியவற்றைக் குறிப்பிடுகின்றன.

பதிவு செய்வதற்கான கட்டாய இணக்கம்: மாணவர்கள் பட்டப்படிப்புக்குப் பிறகு இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவம் பயிற்சி செய்ய தகுதி பெறுவதற்கு அவர்கள் விண்ணப்பிக்கும் வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ நிறுவனம் இந்த வழிகாட்டுதல்களைப் பின்பற்றுவதை உறுதி செய்ய வேண்டும். காலம், பாடத்திட்டம், பயிற்சி அல்லது இன்டர்ன்ஷிப் ஆகியவற்றில் ஏதேனும் மாறுபாடு இருந்தால், மாணவர் இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவப் பதிவு பெறுவதிலிருந்து தகுதி நீக்கம் செய்யப்படலாம்.

NMC ஆல் வெளியிடப்பட்ட FMGL விதிமுறைகள், 2021, வெளிநாடுகளில் மருத்துவம் படிக்க விரும்பும் இந்திய மாணவர்களுக்கு தெளிவான வழிகாட்டுதல்களை அமைத்துள்ளது. இந்தியாவில் அலோபதி பயிற்சி செய்வதற்கு மாணவர்கள் தங்கள் தகுதிகள் செல்லுபடியாகும் என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்த பின்பற்ற வேண்டிய விதிமுறைகள்:

படிப்பிற்கான காலம்: இளங்கலை மருத்துவப் படிப்புக்கான குறைந்தபட்ச காலத்தை பற்றியும் விதிமுறைகள் குறிப்பிடுகின்றன. வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ நிறுவனங்களில் பாடநெறி காலம் குறைந்தது 54 மாதங்கள் (அல்லது 4.5 ஆண்டுகள்) படிப்பாக இருக்க வேண்டும், அதைத் தொடர்ந்து 1 வருட இன்டர்ன்ஷிப் (மருத்துவ பயிற்சி). திட்டத்தின் காலம் பரிந்துரைக்கப்பட்ட காலத்தை விட குறைவாக இருந்தால், அது இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவப் பதிவுக்கு தகுதியிழப்பை ஏற்படுத்தக்கூடும்.

பயிற்சி உட்பட திட்டத்தின் மொத்த காலமும் 10 ஆண்டுகளுக்குள் முடிக்கப்பட வேண்டும். இதன் பொருள் மாணவர்கள் தங்கள் மருத்துவப் படிப்பை (கோட்பாடு, மருத்துவ பயிற்சி மற்றும் இன்டர்ன்ஷிப்) 10 வருடத்திற்குள் முடிக்க வேண்டும். காலம் 10 ஆண்டுகளைத் தாண்டினால், அவர்கள் பரிந்துரைக்கப்பட்ட பாடநெறி மற்றும் இன்டர்ன்ஷிப்பை முடித்திருந்தாலும் கூட, இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவம் பயிற்சி செய்ய பதிவு செய்ய தகுதி பெறாமல் போகலாம்.

மொழி: வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவப் பள்ளிகளில் பயிற்று மொழி ஆங்கிலத்தில் இருக்க வேண்டும். பயிற்று மொழி ஆங்கிலமாக இல்லாவிட்டால், மாணவர்கள் இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவப் பயிற்சிக்கு பதிவு செய்ய தகுதியற்றவர்களாக இருக்கலாம்.

பாடத்திட்டம்: வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ நிறுவனம் பின்பற்றும் பாடத்திட்டம் NMC நிர்ணயித்த தரநிலைகள் மற்றும் தேவைகளுடன் ஒத்துப்போக வேண்டும்.

மருத்துவக் கல்வியில் உடற்கூறியல், உடலியல், உயிர் வேதியியல், நோயியல், மருந்தியல் மற்றும் மருத்துவ பாடங்கள் போன்ற அனைத்து முக்கிய பகுதிகளிலும் பாடங்கள் மற்றும் பயிற்சி இருக்க வேண்டும், மாணவர்கள் மருத்துவ நடைமுறையின் அனைத்து அம்சங்களிலும் போதுமான பயிற்சி பெற்றிருப்பதை உறுதி செய்ய வேண்டும்.

மருத்துவ பயிற்சி மற்றும் இன்டர்ன்ஷிப்: மருத்துவ பயிற்சி மற்றும் இன்டர்ன்ஷிப்கள் NMC வழிகாட்டுதல்களைப் பின்பற்ற வேண்டும். மருத்துவமனைகள் மற்றும் கிளினிக்குகளில் நடைமுறை, நேரடி அனுபவம் இதில் அடங்கும்.

வெளிநாட்டு நிறுவனம் பாடநெறியின் போது போதுமான மருத்துவ வெளிப்பாட்டை வழங்க வேண்டும், சுகாதார அமைப்புகளில் இன்டர்ன்ஷிப்களுக்கான வாய்ப்புகளுடன், மாணவர்கள் நோயாளிகளுடன் தொடர்பு கொள்ளவும் அவர்களின் திறன்களைப் பயிற்சி செய்யவும் முடியும்.

கமிஷனுக்கு விண்ணப்பித்த பிறகு இந்தியாவில் 12 மாதங்களுக்கு மேற்பார்வையிடப்பட்ட இன்டர்ன்ஷிப்பையும் முடிக்க வேண்டும்.

பதிவு செய்வதற்கான தகுதி: வெளிநாட்டு நிறுவனத்தில் மருத்துவப் பட்டப்படிப்பை முடித்த பிறகு, மாணவர்கள் வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ பட்டதாரி தேர்வில் (FMGE) தேர்ச்சி பெற வேண்டும். இது NMC ஆல் நடத்தப்படும் ஸ்கிரீனிங் சோதனையாகும்.

வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ பட்டதாரிகள் இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவம் பயிற்சி செய்ய தேவையான அறிவு மற்றும் திறன்களைக் கொண்டிருப்பதை இந்தத் தேர்வு உறுதி செய்கிறது.

எந்தவொரு நிறுவனத்தின் பயிற்சியும் NMC இன் விதிமுறைகளை (பாடத்திட்டம், காலம், மருத்துவ வெளிப்பாடு போன்றவற்றின் அடிப்படையில்) பூர்த்தி செய்யவில்லை என்றால், மாணவர் FMGE க்கு விண்ணப்பிப்பதில் இருந்து தகுதி நீக்கம் செய்யப்படலாம், இதன் விளைவாக, இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவ பயிற்சியாளராக பதிவு செய்வதில் பிரச்சனை ஏற்படும்.

பொறுப்புக்கூறல்: இந்த தரநிலைகளுக்கு வெளிநாட்டு நிறுவனம் இணங்குவதை உறுதி செய்வதற்கான பொறுப்பு மாணவரிடம் மட்டுமே உள்ளது என்பதை FMGL விதிமுறைகள் வலியுறுத்துகின்றன. ஒரு மாணவர் இணக்கமற்ற நிறுவனத்தில் பட்டம் பெற்றால், அவர்கள் இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவப் பதிவு பெறுவதில் சிரமங்களை எதிர்கொள்வார்கள்.

வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ நிறுவனங்களுக்கு அங்கீகாரம்: அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட்ட வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ நிறுவனங்களின் பட்டியலை தேசிய மருத்துவ ஆணையம் பராமரிக்கிறது.

மாணவர்கள் தாங்கள் பரிசீலிக்கும் நிறுவனம் அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளதா என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்த விண்ணப்பிக்கும் முன் இந்த பட்டியலை சரிபார்க்க அறிவுறுத்தப்படுகிறார்கள்.

வெளிநாட்டு நிறுவனம் மருத்துவப் பள்ளிகளின் உலக கோப்பகத்தில் (WDMS) பட்டியலிடப்பட்டு அந்தந்த நாட்டின் மருத்துவ கவுன்சிலால் அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட வேண்டும்.

தகுதி நீக்க பிரிவு: ஒரு வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ நிறுவனம் பாடத்திட்டம், காலம், இன்டர்ன்ஷிப் அல்லது பிற அளவுகோல்களின் அடிப்படையில் பரிந்துரைக்கப்பட்ட தரங்களை பூர்த்தி செய்யத் தவறினால், அது அந்த மாணவர் இந்தியாவில் மருத்துவப் பதிவு பெறுவதிலிருந்து தகுதியிழப்புக்கு வழிவகுக்கும்.

படிப்பை முடித்த பிறகு சிக்கல்களைத் தவிர்க்க மாணவர்கள் சேர்க்கைக்கு முன் நிறுவனத்தின் நிலையை சரிபார்க்க வேண்டியது அவசியம்.

வெளியேற தேர்வு: இந்தியாவில் நிரந்தர மருத்துவ பதிவுக்கு தேசிய வெளியேறும் சோதனை (நெக்ஸ்ட்) அல்லது பிற கட்டாய சோதனைகளில் தேர்ச்சி பெற வேண்டும்.

மாணவர்கள் அதிகாரப்பூர்வ NMC வழிகாட்டுதல்களைப் பார்த்து, மருத்துவத்தில் சேர்வதற்கு முன் வெளிநாட்டு மருத்துவ நிறுவனங்களின் அங்கீகார நிலையை சரிபார்க்க வேண்டியது அவசியம்.

PG medical admissions: 44 doctors submit fake certs to avail NRI quota

PG medical admissions: 44 doctors submit fake certs to avail NRI quota

PushpaNarayan@timesofindia.com 26.11.2024 

Chennai : At least 44 doctors have faked their certificates in their applications for postgraduate medical courses in Tamil Nadu under the non-resident Indian (NRI) quota, a verification by the selection committee at the Directorate of Medical Education has found. Half a dozen embassies/ consulates of countries, including those of the US, Dubai, Singapore, Australia and Kuwait, recently confirmed the “ingenuity” of certificates given by these candidates. 

In October, a list published by the postgraduate committee showed that 221 of the 446 (nearly 50%) candidates were ineligible either because they had not submitted adequate documents or because of errors in submission. “While some candidates were allowed to submit documents, the candidature of 44 doctors was declared invalid,” said selection committee secretary Dr P Arunalatha. “We will act against everyone who have produced fake certificates. We asked for legal opinion," she said.

On Monday, officials said the number of ineligible candidates was reduced to 114 from 221 after many candidates submitted relevant documents. More than 20 students faked consulate certificates in 2023, officials said. “If doctors forge certificates, it amounts to unethical practice. They should be debarred,” said Tamil Nadu Medical Council former president Dr K Senthil. At least five students serving their bond period in various govt hospitals applied for admission under the service quota, according to senior officials. “These candidates have also been made ineligible,” said a senior official at the Directorate of Medical Education. Two days ago, the under graduate committee announced that it would file a police complaint and initiate legal action against six candidates who had submitted fake certificates from at least four consulates. 

20% of in-service quota seats to be added to general pool Chennai : At least 20% of seats under the in-service quota in postgraduate medical courses are likely to be added to the general pool in the last few rounds of counselling by the selection committee in Tamil Nadu as there are not enough applicants. “This year, we have nearly 1,150 seats for the in-service quota, but there are just 1,094 applicants,” said a senior official in the selection committee. “Some of these applicants may apply through the general category, leaving no takers for nearly 20% of the seats. So, once we exhaust the in-service merit list, we will add vacant seats to the general pool,” officials said. Doctors' associations said fewer in-service candidates appeared for NEET-PG this year. “We don’t have enough candidates because there aren’t enough doctors,” said Service and Postgraduate Doctors’Association secretary Dr A Ramalingam.

SC scraps Punjab's NRI quota expansion, calls it a fraudSource: PTI

SC scraps Punjab's NRI quota expansion, calls it a fraudSource: PTI

September 24, 2024 19:10 IST

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Punjab government's appeal against a high court verdict quashing its decision to expand the definition of 'NRI quota' for admissions in undergraduate medical and dental courses in the state. "This fraud must come to an end now," the apex court said.

On September 10, the Punjab and Haryana high court trashed the Aam Aadmi Party-led government's August 20 move to include distant relatives "such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins" of NRIs for admissions under 15 per cent quota for this group in admissions in state medical colleges.

"This is nothing but a money spinning machine," observed a bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

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"We will dismiss all the petitions. This NRI business is nothing but a fraud. We will put an end to all this.... now the so-called precedents must give way to primacy of law," said the bench.

Terming the high court verdict "absolutely right," the court said, "Look at the deleterious consequences... the candidates who have three times higher marks will lose admission (in NEET-UG courses)."

The top court said distant relatives of a 'mama, tai, taya,' who are settled abroad, will get admissions ahead of meritorious candidates and this cannot be allowed.

"This is completely a fraud. And this is what we are doing with our education system !...We will affirm the high court judgment. We must stop this NRI quota business now. The judges know what they are dealing with. The high court has dealt with the case threadbare," the CJI said.

"Let us put a lid on this... what is this ward? You just have to say that I am looking after X ... We cannot lend our authority to something which is blatantly illegal," the bench said while dismissing the plea of the state government.

Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for the Punjab government, said that other states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh also followed the broader interpretation of term 'NRI quota.'

Moreover, the states have the power to decide as to how 15 per cent NRI quota has to be granted.

Out of total NEET-UG seats, 85 per cent seats in medical colleges are filled up by the states in medical colleges under their jurisdiction, the counsel, in favour of NRI quota, told the bench.

The bench said now the central government will have to take note of this as well.

A division bench of the high court had come out with an elaborate judgment trashing the state government decision to broaden the ambit of NRI quota for admissions in Punjab medical colleges.

The high court took note of the submissions that the decision to widen the ambit of NRI quota was taken to divert the seats which would have otherwise come to the general category applicants.

"Imparting education is not an economic activity but a welfare-oriented endeavour as the ultimate aim is to achieve an egalitarian and prosperous society in order to bring about social transformation and upliftment of the nation.

"Doctrine of merit and fairness cannot be sacrificed only because the students falling in the expanded definition of Non-Resident Indian (NRI) possess financial muscle.

"Capitation fee has totally been prohibited. If the admissions in the expanded NRI category to include non-genuine NRIs are permitted; the prohibition made on charge of capitation fee would serve no higher purpose, as the State/private colleges would be at liberty to reap the benefits by amending the provisions according to their whims, which means accepting it by disguising the process," the high court said.

The expansion of 'NRI' definition through the state government corrigendum is "unjustified for several reasons," the high court said.

"Initially, the 'NRI Quota' was intended to benefit genuine NRIs and their children, allowing them to access education opportunities in India. By broadening the definition to include distant relatives such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins, the core objective of NRI quota is undermined.

"This widening opens the door for potential misuse, allowing individuals who do not fall within the original intent of the policy to take advantage of these seats, potentially bypassing more deserving candidates," it said.

NEET-UG to transition to computerbased testing; oversight group for NTA formed

NEET-UG to transition to computerbased testing; oversight group for NTA formed

Manash.Gohain@timesofindia.com 23.11.2024

New Delhi : Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has indicated that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) is likely transitioning to computerbased testing (CBT). Speaking exclusively to TOI, Pradhan revealed that a consensus is being developed in consultation with the ministry of health, the National Testing Agency (NTA), and a newly formed third-party moni toring group led by former Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chief K Radhakrishnan.

This group is tasked with advising and monitoring the NTA to ensure robust and transparent examination processes. The Radhakrishnan Committee, established in response to NEET paper leak al legations, has proposed several transformative recommendations. Key among them is a phased shift to online testing to mitigate security risks associated with paper-based exams. The committee also suggested a hybrid model where question papers are digitally transmitted to examination centres, and responses are recorded on paper. This approach would reduce physical handling of question papers, eliminating vulnerabilities at printing, storage, and transportation stages. Pradhan said: “We have already started implementation of the committee’s report. A monitoring group un der Radhakrishnan has been set up, which will continuously advise and monitor NTA. It will work as a third party vigil.” On NEET, the minister said: “The health ministry is the primary client of NEET and it is being consulted for its suggestions. NTA will conduct the test. 

We have two ways — paper based and computer based. Based on the consultation and deliberations with the ministry, the (Radhakrishnan) committee and NTA, we are in all likelihood moving towards CBT.” The ministry of education has also placed renewed emphasis on social science research to evaluate policies and their societal impact.

Docs flag removal of respiratory med depts from MBBS syllabus

Docs flag removal of respiratory med depts from MBBS syllabus 

NMC Justified It Saying It’s To Reduce Load 

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesofindia.com 22.11.2024 

New Delhi : Members of Indian Chest Society (ICS) have expressed concern regarding the recent removal of specialised respiratory medicine departments from the MBBS syllabus, as outlined in the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) 2023 guidelines that took effect this year. The alteration comes at a time when there is an increasing prevalence of respiratory disorders associated with pollution and various pulmonary conditions in many parts of the country, especially in the national capital and neighbouring areas. 

Medical experts have criticised National Medical Commission’s justification for re ducing the academic load on MBBS students, noting it as an unreasonable stance, given the growing need for primary physicians to address the surge in respiratory conditions. Dr GC Khilnani, director of respiratory medicine at PSRI Hospital and ICS (north zone) chair, highlighted India’s position among the world’s most polluted nations. He pointed out that PM2.5 exposure exceeds WHO safety guidelines for over 99% of Indians, requiring urgent action to reduce pollution and strengthen medical facilities. The health consequences are significant, with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions worsening when the air quality index turns hazardous, particularly affecting vulnerable groups. 

The Poseidon study, published in The Lancet in 2015, showed respiratory symptoms constitute over half of all medical consulta

tions in India. Dr Khilnani stressed the need for systematic improvements, particularly in developing comprehensive respiratory healthcare infrastructure, to address pollution-related medical challenges. As the chairman of respiratory medicine, critical care and sleep medicine at Saroj Superspeciality Hospital and Jaipur Golden Hospital, and vice-president of ICS, Dr Rakesh Chawla emphasised how respiratory medicine departments are essential for diagnosing and treating complex breathing disorders while backing broader health initiatives. He cautioned that removing these specialised departments would severely impact patient care, particularly in managing tuberculosis (TB), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pollution-related illnesses. Such actions would impede India’s efforts to eradicate TB, he added.

Devising a foolproof system to ensure credibility of NEET

Devising a foolproof system to ensure credibility of NEET 

Recommendations suggested by a seven-member committee to reform the exam have met with mixed reviews as experts weigh in on the options to check pilferage and other malpractices 

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 19.11.2024 

Months after it was constituted, a high-level committee, headed by former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, has proposed major reforms to the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) in the wake of this year’s paper leaks and exam irregularities. Experts claim the reforms were much needed to bring back the credibility in the examination system while advocating the need for multistage examination process and restricting the number of attempts and exam centres. The seven-member panel that submitted its recommendations on November 1, suggested some key recommendations, which include implementing a hybrid examination model where question papers would be transmitted digitally while students can use OMR sheets for answers. 

This method while strengthening the security will ensure the release of exam questions closer to the start of the exams, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorised access. The committee further proposed adopting a multiple-stage format similar to JEE to manage the large volume of applicants, along with limiting the number of attempts to create a more equitable examination landscape. Presently, candidates are allowed to take the NEET UG exam an unlimited number of times. The proposed change is also expected to motivate candidates to prepare more competently for their attempts. 

Further, to make the examination’s security more foolproof, the panel recommended reducing dependency on outsourced services and private test centres. The panel recommended that NTA should instead incre ase its permanent staff and the number of exam centres under its direct control. Currently, exams are essentially conducted in government-run institutions, with private  centres used only when necessary. A key proposal from the panel involves the development of a ‘Digi Exam’ platform, which draws inspiration from the successful implementation of the Digi Yatra initiative at Indian airports. This platform is expected to leverage biometrics, including facial recognition technology, to facilitate secure candidate identification and authentication. By adopting this approach, the NTA can move towards a more effective and paperless process for registration, exam access, and remote testing. Going digital “The ecosystem should be developed in a phase-wise manner before implementing such measures as not all class XII students are tech-savvy or computer literate. 

These initiatives should ideally be started at the NEET PG level,” says a senior faculty member from a Delhi-NCR medical college, sug gesting further the need to set up high-speed electronic printers at the exam centres to digitally print the question papers and minimise manual intervention. The centres should be owned and manned by NTA’s own employees who are adequately trained to manage the exam process. Further, in a high-stakes exam like NEET UG, a two-stage process, as per the recommendations, will eliminate a large percentage of candidates at the prelims stage, leaving the more serious candidates to compete for the final exam. “This will help improve the quality of candidates enrolling for counselling and college admissions. Additionally, the ratio of the number of seats to students will be reduced. 

But multiple sessions for a single exam much like JEE does not give students a clear picture about the difficulty level of each session, nor are they convinced about the use of normalisation for calculating the scores which may invite controversy the way NEET PG 2024 did,” says the faculty. Highlighting some of the key outcomes of the hybrid mode of exams, Dr Amit Gupta, professor, De partment of Surgery, AIIMS Rishikesh, says, “It will check to some extent pilferage of question papers. At one go, the question papers will be displayed on screens throughout the country. Thereafter, students can write their answers on the OMR sheets if the exam is in pen and paper mode, and online if it is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). A uniform CBT format might be an issue in the remote and rural interiors due to uneven internet access, giving rise to technical glitches.” He further adds that the same hybrid format is used in the OSCE exam (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) by National Board of Examinations (NBE) to assess candidates’ clinical competencies and knowledge of medical procedures in postgraduate examination. 

“The hybrid mode would face some issues like technological failures, insider collusion, or inadequate monitoring of exam conditions, which might persist if not carefully managed. Digitally transmitting question papers should have strong encryption and secure channels,” cautions Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Multistage exam Since the number of candidates appearing for NEET exam far outweigh the number of candidates in any other national-level entrance exam, it would be better to have a multistage exam process, such as a NEET Prelims and NEET Main/Advanced just like JEE, says Dr Gupta, adding it will make the job of NTA easier and eventually lead to the smooth conduct of the examination. 

Moreover, restricting the number of attempts will give all candidates a fair chance to crack the exam considering there is presently no bar on the number of attempts, Dr Gupta says. However, Dr Unnikrishnan reasons that limiting attempts might affect candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Students who have access to better resources, coaching, and preparation might fare better, making it harder for those with fewer opportunities to compete effectively,” he say

ʻStudents forge documents to join MBBS underNRI quota in Puducherry collegesʼ

ʻStudents forge documents to join MBBS underNRI quota in Puducherry collegesʼ

12.11.2024 THE TIMES OF INDIA

PUDUCHERRY: Scores of students continue to forge documents to join the MBBS course under the non-resident Indian (NRI) quota in four medical colleges and hospitals, including a govt medical college and hospital, every year in the Union territory of Puducherry, alleged a section of students-parents welfare forums.

There are 130 MBBS seats under the NRI quota for the academic year 2024-25 in the four colleges. The candidates applying under the quota must submit ʻattested NRI/NRI sponsorshipʼ letters from the embassies/high commissions in the countries where the NRI sponsors are currently employed. In addition, the NRIsponsored candidates must submit sworn affidavits establishing a first-degree relationship with their sponsors.

The Centralized Admission Committee (Centac), which admits students to various courses, including medicine, in the Union territory, received a series of complaints that students joined the MBBS course under the NRI quota by furnishing forged documents.

Following this, Centac convener Cheryl Ann Gerardine Shivan commenced verification of the documents submitted by NRI candidates. “…it was observed that the name of certain consular staff (the signing authority) in the consulate in Dubai was spelt differently on several different applications, and his signature was almost not uniform. It was then decided to forward all NRI embassy and sponsorship certificates to the various Missions/Posts in the different countries (for verification),” said the convener in a complaint lodged at Lawspet police station.

The Centac convenor said the Missions/Posts concerned have started responding to the queries raised by Centac and ascertaining the genuineness of the certificates and documents.

“For those certificates determined as ʻforgedʼ, the Missions/Posts themselves have recommended that necessary action as deemed fit may be taken,” she said. The Centac convenor said the committee had not received any reply from a few other Missions/Posts and hence approached the Union external affairs ministry to expedite the process. “The ministry responded immediately and took up the matter (with the Missions/Posts concerned),” she said.

Lawspet police booked the 44 students under sections 336 (3) (forgery) and 340 (2) (forged document or electronic record and using it as genuine) of BNS and began investigations.

Medical colleges to submit student data for new year

Medical colleges to submit student data for new year

DurgeshNandan.Jha@timesofindia.com BANGALURU 10.11.2024 

New Delhi : Aiming to rule out any irregularities in MBBS admissions, National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges to verify and submit details of all students enrolled for the academic year 2024-25. This includes admitted students’ entrance exam (NEET) roll number, marks obtained in 10+2 (physics, chemistry, biology), merit number, date of birth, sub-category (SC/ST/ unreserved), and fees charged from them annually among others. Officials said this was done to ensure that all MBBS admissions are strictly in accordance with merit and not above the sanctioned intake capacity. 

“Earlier, the last date for submission of details was Nov 8 but many colleges have not filled or partially filled the required information. Thus, we have given a final deadline of Nov 23 to medical colleges to provide the required information,” B Srinivas, secretary, NMC told TOI. Last year, NMC carried out an informal exercise to double-check that MBBS admissions made by colleges were in accordance with the regula tions. It was found that there were instances, at least 30-40 of them, where the admission was inconsistent with the rules. For example, sources said, students who obtained less than 50% marks in 10+2 (physics, chemistry, biology) were granted admission. The NMC secretary said they have, for the first time, developed an online monitoring system to ensure faithful adherence to norms of admission and to further promote transparency and accountability in medical education. There are approximately 1.20 lakh undergraduate medical seats across govt and private medical colleges in the country. Srinivas said while granting admission in MBBS courses, medical colleges are required to ensure it is not beyond their sanctioned intake capacity. 

Also, colleges must make sure that the students meet eligibility requirements regarding age and qualifying marks. All students who are admitted in MBBS course are supposed to have qualified NEET-UG with the required percentile; 50th percentile and above 

Times of India ePaper bangalore - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-bangalore.cms 1/2 for general category, 45th percentile and above for physically handicapped and 40th percentile and above for reserved (SC/ST/OBC) candidates

Medical colleges asked to submit details of students for new academic year

Medical colleges asked to submit details of students for new academic year

DurgeshNandan.Jha @timesofindia.com 1011.2024 AHAMEDABAD 

New Delhi : Aiming to rule out any irregularities in MBBS admissions, National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges to verify and submit details of all students enrolled for the academic year 2024-25. This includes admitted students’ entrance exam (NEET) roll number, marks obtained in 10+2 (physics, chemistry, biology), merit number, date of birth, subcategory (SC/ST/unreserved), and fees charged from them annually among others. 

Officials said this was done to ensure that all MBBS admissions are strictly in accordance with merit and not above the sanctioned intake capacity. “Earlier, the last date for submission of details was Nov 8 but many colleges have not filled or partially filled the required information. Thus, we have given a final deadline of Nov 23 to colleges to provide required information,” B Srinivas, secretary, NMC told TOI. Last year, NMC carried out an informal exercise to double-check that MBBS admissions made by colleges were in accordance with the regulations. 

It was found that there were instances, at least 30-40 of them, where the admission was inconsistent with the rules. For example, sources said, students who obtained less than 50% marks in 10+2 (physics, chemistry, biology) were granted admission. The NMC secretary said they have, for the first time, developed an online monitoring system to ensure faithful adherence to norms of admission and to further promote transparency and accountability in medical education. There are approximately 1.20 lakh undergraduate medical seats across govt and private medical colleges in the country. 

Times of India ePaper ahmedabad - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-ahmedabad.cms 1/2 11/10/24, 12:01 PM Times of India ePaper ahmedabad - 

No deadline extension leads to loss of 50 MBBS seats

No deadline extension leads to loss of 50 MBBS seats 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  30.10.2024 

Chennai : Union govt has refused to extend the deadline for admission to MBBS/BDS courses for 2024 and the state selection committee said it would not admit students to the 50 additional MBBS seats at Annaii Medical College and Research Institute this academic year. Additionally, results for the stray (final) round of counselling will be released a day late on Wednesday following a request from several parents. Last week, the state selection committee wrote to the Centre seeking permission to extend the deadline for medical and dental counselling. Health minister Ma Subramanian said the addition of fresh seats in the stray round is not possible as students don’t have the option to upgrade seats in this round. Adding fresh seats without giving the option of upgrade would defeat the purpose of merit, he said. When the committee permits upgradation, it will create vacancies in other colleges too. “So, to fill seats, we need a special round. It can’t be done in the stray vacancy round, where students are debarred if they don’t take the seat they are allotted,” he said.

On Oct 23, Annaii Medical College and Research Institute announced that it received permission to admit 50 more students, taking its seat tally to 100. The stray round, which began the next day, had 296 vacant seats in medical and dental colleges. This includes one MBBS seat and 23 BDS seats in govt colleges, 67 seats in self-financing medical colleges and 61 MBBS seats in private medical universities, besides four BDS seats under the 7.5% quota for govt students and 136 seats in self-financing dental colleges. 

Results Delayed The results for the stray vacancies will be announced on Wednesday instead of Tuesday, officials said. The selection committee said that eligible candidates must pay an additional security deposit of ₹5 lakh for the MBBS course and ₹2 lakh for the BDS course to take part in the stray round or subsequent round (if any). The amount will not be refunded if the candidate does not  join the courses after allotment. In addition to the security deposit, the candidates must pay the tuition fee and discontinuation fee if they do not join courses after allotment and will be barred from counselling for 2025. “Most parents wanted an extension of the deadline by a day as banks were closed on Saturday and Sunday,” said a senior official at the committee. “Instead of releasing the results on Tuesday, it will be released on Wednesday,” officials said

NEET coaching centre owner booked for assaulting students

NEET coaching centre owner booked for assaulting students 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 19.10.2024

Tirunelveli : A NEET coaching centre owner was booked for assaulting students and throwing footwear at the girl students attending the classes. Though the incident took place a month ago, it came to light only recently after the CCTV image of the assault went viral in social media. The accused, Jalal Ahmad, caned the students after he found one of them sleeping in the early morning classes. He threw footwear at the girl students after one of them left the footwear outside the classroom, in an unspecified place other than the designated area for keeping footwear, according to police sources. 

Member of state human rights commission, V Kannadasan, who was visiting Tirunelveli for hearing cases, visited the centre and carried out an investigation. He said that the commission took the case for investigation on suo moto. One of the staff members and some students filed a complaint with the Melapalayam police station. The affected students met Kannadasan and showed their injuries. Jalal Ahmad from Kerala started the centre two years ago. He was said to have worked as a trainer in Kerala. The coaching centre authorities said that Ahmad was strict with the students since parents pay a lot of money for the training, and he did not throw the footwear intentionally to hurt the girl students. Melapalayam police are investigating. Ahmad remains at large, and police are looking for him. Police booked Ahmad for assault and assaulting to dishonour aperson, and under section 75 of the JJ Act for cruelty to children since the students were minors.

SC rips into Punjab governmentʼs decision to expand the ambit ofNRI quota in MBBS admissions as ʻmoney-spinningʼ mechanism:

SC rips into Punjab governmentʼs decision to expand the ambit ofNRI quota in MBBS admissions as ʻmoney-spinningʼ mechanism:

Is it a warning shot for other states too? 

On September 24, the Supreme Court of India rejected the Punjab government's expansion of the NRI quota for MBBS admissions, deeming it a "fraud on the education system." The court criticized the last-minute criteria changes, highlighting that it undermined merit. This ruling may influence similar NRI quota discussions in states like Karnataka and Telangana, emphasizing fairness in medical admissions. 

TOI Education Sep 26, 2024, 21:27 IST 

On Tuesday, September 24, the Supreme Court  of India shot down the Punjab governmentʼs decision to extend the 15% NRI quota for MBBS admissions to 'wards' of NRIs. The Apex court described this decision as a ʻfraud on the education system to mint moneyʼ. A bench consisting of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra dismissed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governmentʼs petition against the Punjab and Haryana High Courtʼs ruling quashing the governmentʼs notification that amended the conditions for admissions under the NRI quota for MBBS courses. 

The NRI quota in MBBS in India comprises a set of reserved seats in medical colleges for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO).The percentage of seats reserved for this quota varies by state and college, but typically around 15% of the seats are allocated for the NRI quota. Some of the eligibility criteria for the NRI quota are as follows: 

NRI Quota in MBBS: Punjab Government's Controversial Decision On August 20, the Punjab government issued a notification regarding the expanded ambit of the NRI quota to include distant relatives, such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins, for admission under the 15% quota in medical colleges. According to reports, the notice stated, “NRIs or their children, who originally belong to Punjab and any Indian state or Union Territory, are eligible for NRI quota seats. If any NRI seats are left vacant, the wards or nearest relatives of the NRI shall also be considered for the NRI quota seats.” Furthermore, the notification defined who would be considered “nearest relations.” According to the notice, the definition of nearest relations includes: The aspirant must be of Indian origin and settled in a foreign country. Children of Indian citizens living abroad for business or employment are eligible. Candidates born abroad whose parents are of Indian descent can apply. Candidates must reside abroad and possess NRI status. Candidates residing in a foreign country must have completed their 10th and 12th standard examinations in that country.

Real brothers and sisters of the father (i.e., uncles and aunts) Real brothers and sisters of the mother (i.e., maternal uncles and aunts) Grandfathers and grandmothers (paternal) Grandfathers and grandmothers (maternal) First paternal and maternal cousins of the candidate seeking admission.  Supreme Court Slams Punjab's NRI Quota Expansion as 'Backdoor Entryʼ In August, several candidates from the general category, seeking admission after NRI quota seats were left vacant, approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court against the AAP governmentʼs notification. The High Court ruled in their favour, labelling the notification as “unjustified.” 

Subsequently, candidates seeking to benefit from the expanded ambit of the NRI quota brought the issue before the Supreme Court, as per a media report. The Supreme Court criticized the Punjab government for its notification amending the conditions for admissions under the NRI quota, describing it as “just a money-spinning device by the state.” The bench expressed strong disapproval of the last-minute expansion of the criteria for the NRI quota after the deadline for application submissions, emphasizing that it created a “moneyspinning” mechanism.

 According to a TNN report, the bench stated, “Consider the terms ʻnearest relativesʼ and ʻwardsʼ of NRIs. Anyone could be considered a nearest relative, even a third cousin. And what did the government mean by ʻward of an NRIʼ? Anyone and everyone can be termed a ward of an NRI, and the only proof required is an affidavit from the person residing abroad.” The Apex Court further added, “These are all backdoor entries, and this is nothing but a money-spinning device for the government. It must be stopped.” During the ruling, the Apex Court noted that a general category student with 630 out of 700 marks would not receive a seat, while an NRI ward with just 200 marks could gain admission. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) stated that the Punjab and Haryana High Court bench, led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, had rendered the correct judgment. 

“Let us put a lid on this whole fraud in the name of NRI quota seats. This expanded meaning of the NRI quota is nothing but a fraud on the medical education system. After the last date of submission of application forms, the Punjab government expanded the NRI quota seat eligibility criteria. General category candidates having three times the marks of an NRI ward will lose out because of this. The court should not lend its authority to this patent fraud," said the CJI.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/sc-rips-into-punjab-governments-decision-to-expand-the-ambit-of-nri-quota-in-mbbs-admissions-as-money-spinning-mechanism-is-it-a-warning-shot-for-other-states-too/articleshow/113705256.cms

MBBS admissions: After Punjab HC’s order, BFUHS releases fresh NRI quota merit list

MBBS admissions: After Punjab HC’s order, BFUHS releases fresh NRI quota merit list

ByParteek Singh Mahal, Faridkot

Sep 12, 2024 06:16 AM IST

Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) drops 45% of candidates who were picked as per the amended notification issued by the state government.

After the Punjab and Haryana high court quashed the state government’s notification amending conditions to allow the nearest relatives of an NRI to be considered under the quota for admissions to MBBS courses, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) released a fresh merit list dropping more than 45% candidates.Names of 54 candidates, sponsored by NRIs, have been withdrawn by the BFUHS after the high court order. (HT File)

As per the fresh merit list released by BFUHS, a total of 66 candidates have been allotted seats under the NRI quota for admission to MBBS courses. Among them, 32 are the children of NRI, who hail from Punjab, while 34 are NRIs or children of NRIs, who originally hail from an Indian state other than Punjab.

The medical and dental colleges in Punjab offer around 185 NRI quota seats in MBBS and 196 seats in BDS, respectively. During the first round of counselling, the BFUHS allotted NRI quota MBBS seats to 120 candidates, following the amended provisions. As many as 66 were allotted to NRIs, and 54 were allotted to the kins of NRIs under the quota.

Now, the names of 54 candidates, sponsored by NRIs, have been withdrawn by the BFUHS after the high court order.

In an attempt to increase the admissions under the NRI quota seats in MBBS and BDS courses, the Punjab government had modified provisions to widen the definition of an NRI candidate allowing their nearest relatives to be considered under the quota. “Actual NRIs or their children who originally belong to the state of Punjab and actual NRIs or their children who originally belonged to an Indian state or union territories other than Punjab are eligible for NRI quota seats. If in case the seats of NRIs are left vacant after considering the above preferences then the candidates who are the ward or nearest relation of NRI shall also be considered under NRI quota seats,” reads now quashed notification.

The fee for an MBBS seat is $1,10,000 ( ₹92.3 lakh) at government and private medical colleges, while a BDS seat costs $ 44,000 ( ₹37 lakh). In Punjab, 15% of the total seats are earmarked for NRI candidates in private and government institutes. However, a large chunk of these seats remains vacant every year in the absence of eligible candidates. The vacant seats under the NRI quota are converted into general quota seats after two rounds of counselling.

While quashing state government notification, the HC observed “By broadening the definition to include distant relatives such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins, the core objective of NRI quota is undermined. This widening opens the door for potential misuse, allowing individuals who do not fall within the original intent of the policy to take advantage of these seats, potentially bypassing more deserving candidates.”

Medical colleges to offer MBBS courses in Tamil, English

Medical colleges to offer MBBS courses in Tamil, English 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 

Chennai : Medical colleges affiliated to Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University will teach undergraduate courses in both Tamil and English, vice-chancellor Dr K Narayanasamy said on Wednesday. The state will also offer medical textbooks to students in Tamil, if required, he said. Guidelines detailing subject-wise competencies are published on NMC website along with the Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) course. 

The new guidelines suggest a bilingual mode of education. “Teaching, learning, and assessment may be carried out using a bilingual mode (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu) along with English,” it said. While health minister Ma Subramanian initially said TN would not follow NMC curriculum, he later said it would be followed. “Until now, professors primarily taught in English as the class is likely to have candidates from other states (All India candidates) who don’t know Tamil. Faculty would, however, explain to those who do not understand English in Tamil,” said Dr Narayanasamy. 

“Now, this will be done more formally. In addition, the student too can answer questions during viva or even in written tests in Tamil if he or she cannot explain themselves in English.” MBBS textbooks are also available in Tamil. “Those who have studied in Tamil medium until Class XII may prefer to read in Tamil. We, nevertheless, encourage them to learn English.” Guidelines also propose a National Exit Test for students who join colleges this year. As per the calendar, phase 1 exam will be held a year after commencement of the course, and phase 2 at end of second year. In the third year, they will write part 1 of phase 3 exam and 18 months later will write step one of the proposed NExT. After a year of CRMI and internship, they will write step 2 of NExT. 

"This fraud must end, " Supreme Court rejects Punjab's NRI quota plea Synopsis

"This fraud must end, " Supreme Court rejects Punjab's NRI quota plea Synopsis

ECONOMIC TIMES 25.09.2024 

The Supreme Court has dismissed Punjab's plea to expand the NRI quota in medical colleges, emphasizing that distant relatives of NRIs should not receive admission benefits. Meanwhile, Karnataka is seeking approval to introduce a 15% NRI quota in government medical colleges by 2025-26, aiming to generate revenue and improve educational facilities. The Supreme Court has rejected the Punjab government's plea challenging the High Court's verdict on the widening of the NRI quota in medical colleges. 

The apex court stressed that distant relatives of NRIs cannot be granted admission benefits, stating, "This fraud must end." The ruling comes as the Karnataka government is pushing for the introduction of a 15% NRI quota in government medical colleges, starting in the 2025-26 academic year. Earlier this month, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed the Punjab government's notification that amended the conditions for NRI quota admissions in medical colleges across the state. The bench, consisting of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Anil Kshetarpal, ruled that the state's August 20 notification, which broadened the definition of NRI candidates to include distant relatives, was "arguably unjustified." 

The court pointed out that the NRI quota was originally intended to benefit genuine NRIs and their children, giving them access to education in India. However, the government's move to include relatives like uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins in the NRI category undermined the policy's original intent. "By broadening the definition, the door for potential misuse is opened, allowing individuals outside the policy's intent to take advantage of these seats, potentially bypassing more deserving candidates," the court observed. 

On August 28, the court had already stayed the notification after receiving a plea from Geetan Verma and other aspirants. They argued that a prospectus for medical admissions had been issued on August 9, only for the government to change the admission criteria through the August 20 notification, which they said was not permissible.  The court criticized the vagueness of the new provision, which allowed distant relatives to qualify as guardians simply by claiming they had looked after a student. It noted that this opened up opportunities for manipulation, allowing individuals to claim guardianship for the sole purpose of securing admission under the NRI quota. This, the bench argued, dilutes the merit-based admission process, unfairly disadvantaging more academically qualified students. 

Karnataka's quota pitch

Meanwhile in June, Karnataka’s Medical Education Minister, Sharan Prakash Patil, wrote to the National Medical Commission (NMC) seeking approval to create 508 supernumerary MBBS seats in 22 government medical colleges. These seats, which would be above the existing intake, are intended to cater to NRI students. Patil cited the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines and the National Education Policy 2020, which encourage the admission of international students to Indian institutions, as justification for this proposal. Currently, Karnataka only permits NRI admissions in private medical colleges, where students pay fees ranging from ₹1 crore to ₹2.5 crore. In contrast, states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab charge between USD 75,000 to USD 100,000 for NRI seats in government medical colleges. Patil believes that introducing the quota in Karnataka would generate significant revenue, improving facilities and the quality of education in medical colleges, which face financial challenges despite government funding. Patil has proposed an annual fee of ₹25 lakh for NRI students, estimating that this could generate ₹127 crore in the first year alone. He expressed confidence that the Centre would approve the proposal, allowing the state to implement the NRI quota in government medical colleges by the 2025-26 academic year