Medical Education Scandal In Pune: DMER Orders Inquiry Into Financial Misconduct And Admission Irregularities
The Directorate of Medical Education Research (DMER) has launched an investigation into nine medical colleges in Maharashtra following complaints of financial misconduct and irregularities in admissions. Commissioner of Medical Education Rajiv Nivatkar initiated the inquiry, citing allegations of colleges selecting specific students to protect their interests, thereby denying admission to eligible students.
The controversy centers around the institutional quota, which reserves 15% of seats in private colleges for admission. Before the admission process began, the fee regulation authority determined fees, including tuition and development fees, for courses in private medical colleges. However, colleges are accused of charging exorbitant amounts, up to three times the regular fees, for admissions through this quota.
Students have reported being denied admission due to various reasons, leaving seats vacant. One candidate applying for BDS in Pune recounted being intimidated when attempting to secure admission. Another candidate, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed being charged between Rs50,000 to Rs1 lakh for unnecessary schemes such as ID cards, health clubs, gymkhanas, laboratories, computer labs, and doctors’ clubs.
“These colleges are exploiting students and parents under the guise of development fees,” said Shiv Sena Yuvasena joint secretary Kalpesh Yadav while communicating with media. While it is mandatory to charge 10% of the total fees as development fees, colleges are indiscriminately charging students. Yadav demanded an investigation into all medical colleges and called for guilty colleges to be fined and excess fees refunded.
To address these concerns, the DMER has appointed a two-member committee for each college to investigate admissions. The committee members belong to private unaided colleges. After a thorough investigation, the committee will submit a report to DMER, and action will be taken accordingly.
The admission process for MBBS and BDS courses in various government and private medical colleges in the state is conducted through the State Common Entrance Test (CET) cell. However, students and parents have alleged that the CET cell and the Fee Regulatory Authority are turning a blind eye to the exploitation.
The inquiry is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and fairness in medical education admissions. Students and parents await the outcome, hoping for justice and an end to the exploitation.