SC orders centralised counselling for unfilled medical seats in state

The Supreme Court on Wednesday gave a verdict against Deemed Universities in the case of medical admissions in Maharashtra. It ordered centralised counselling for unfilled medical seats in the state. But students continue to worry about losing out on seats in the All India Merit List, as there is no Maharashtra domicile mandate in admissions to Deemed University medical colleges. Parents also continue to pressure government on extending admissions in private colleges. The apex court, however, clarified that the admissions which have already been made to various colleges and universities would not be affected.

Uncertainty over medical admission takes another twist now, with the verdict in the case of Maharashtra government vs. Deemed University medical colleges. Deemed universities had earlier received a nod from the Bombay High Court to conduct their individual admissions process. But it was challenged by the state government in SC, after which there was stay on admissions to Deemed University medical colleges. After the SC verdict, the stay has been revoked and Directorate of Medical Education and Research will conduct the centralised admission process.

'Only remaining seats'
"The centralised process will determine admissions only on remaining seats in deemed universities. Moreover, these admissions will be done through All India Merit List. This means Maharashtra students are going to lag behind," said Sudha Shenoy, one of the parents.

Gaurav Khera, one of the students, said, " Deemed Universities will not have Maharashtra domicile mandate, and private universities are out of state government's control. There is no increase in government medical colleges either."

"The state government has managed only half a victory in Supreme Court. Even though there will be centralised process of admissions in deemed university colleges, there will not be Maharashtra students quota," said Ruchika Gaikwad, another student. All eyes are now on what the admission schedule by DMER will be.

'No clear instructions'
Vishwajeet Kadam, chairperson of Bharati Vidyapeeth Group of Institutions, said, "There are no clear instructions on how admissions will be conducted. There is always a sword hanging over students' heads."

Parents have begun an online movement of sending an email repeatedly to medical education department of state government. The email is a request letter to extend centralised admissions process to private colleges. Dr. Praveen Shingare, director DMER, was unavailable for comment despite attempts to contact him.