SC/ ST Medical Aspirants Demand Reservation in Deemed Universities

Medical aspirantsbelonging to backward and reserved categories have alleged that the rule of Maharashtra state government dated March 31, 2016, relating to state recognisedprivate medical colleges‘permanently without grant’ or ‘without grant’ need to be updated for deemed medical universities.

The rule clearly indicates that fee waiver or scholarship will not be provided by the state government to students seeking admission in deemed universities across the state. However, the rule was exceptionally relevant whendeemed universitieswere few, and were allowed by the state government to function independently. On the other hand, these universities used to conduct separate entrance exam for medical courses. At present, these universities are a part ofNEETprocess and are not allowed to hold medical admissions independently.

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Last year, the Supreme Court of India had extended the deadline for the admission to medical courses in deemed universities due to5,500 vacant seats. Many students belonging to reserved categories were unable to apply for seats in deemed universities as they could not afford the full fees for MBBS/ BDS course.

Assistant Commissioner of Social Welfare Department, Mr. Vijay Wakulkar revealed that they were expected to follow the mandatory rules. If the members of the specific community feel the necessity of reservation forSC/ ST studentsin deemed universities, they will have to mobilise the government and demand the same, he explained.

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According toArticle 15 (5)of Indian Constitution, reservation in any institution, except minority educational institutes, must be compulsory if directed by the Parliament or the Executive.

Since deemed universities directly come under the ambit ofHRD Ministry, a decision in this regard has to be taken the ministry.