Chhattisgarh government’s no fee refund policy for MBBS seats cause anxiety among aspirants

Chhattisgarh government's latest policy of "no refund" of fee to MBBS students, who have taken admission in medical colleges through the state's PMT, is causing anxious moments to many parents as the All-India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), which was cancelled by the apex court due to fraud and cheating, is being re-conducted on July 25, which coincides with the second session of counselling for the seats in the state.

According to officials, Chhattisgarh's new PMT Admission Rules 2015 clearly state that of no fee would be refunded to students once admission is granted to them. The first counselling session for filling up 82 % of the available 805 MBBS seats in the state has already been held and the second session is scheduled for July 25.

Talking to TOI, a concerned parent said he would stand to loose the Rs 3.8 lakhs deposited for his son's admission in Chandulal Chandrakar Medical College, in case he clears his AIPMT exam and gets admission in a better college. He suggested that the state government should delay the counselling and the admission process till the declaration of the AIPMT results.

"What would happen if I go ahead with the PMT counselling and pay the fee to secure my seat here, but later also clear the AIPMT," said a student, requesting anonymity. He said he had checked with the admission cell and they had clearly told him that no fee would be refunded.

When contacted Director medical education, Pratap Singh, confirmed that the fee will not be refunded once a student gets admission in any of the college during counselling. He said if any student clears AIPMT and chooses Chhattisgarh then he would have to first surrender his or her seat of state quota of that college and then take admission under AIPMT quota with full fee.

Officials said earlier, the government used to permit refund of fee after 10% deduction as administrative charges. However, new rules do not permit this. Incidentally the first year's fee in government colleges is Rs 29000 and in private colleges (state quota) is Rs 3.80 lakhs.

Another AIPMT aspirant, Prafful, (name changed) said, "It has become really difficult for us. We have to make preparations for the AIPMT again and at the same time schedule our counselling at medical colleges". He said many parent have written to the MCI and health ministry to postpone the counselling in medical colleges.

Appreciating the decision of the Supreme Court, a professor in a medical college said, "It is good that the SC has given an early deadline of August 17 to the CBSE for declaring result. This would ensure that the session is not delayed".