Maharashtra: Inquiry Ordered Into Alleged Financial Misappropriation in Private Medical College Admissions
Pune, 19th October 2024: The Office of Medical Education, Research, and AYUSH has launched an inquiry into allegations of financial misappropriation in the admission process under the institutional quota in private aided medical colleges. The investigation follows complaints that students were charged illegal development fees during the admissions process. A report on the inquiry has been ordered to be submitted within eight days.
A total of nine medical colleges across the state, including three in Pune, will be scrutinized. Among the colleges under investigation is the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College in Pune.
The admissions process for MBBS and BDS degree courses in Maharashtra is conducted through the State CET exam for both government and private medical colleges. Around 15% of the seats in private colleges are reserved for the institutional quota. The fee structure for these seats, including educational and development fees, is regulated by the fee-setting authority appointed by the state government.
However, reports have surfaced that colleges are charging triple the regulated fee for admissions through the institutional quota, despite publishing fee details on their websites. Allegations suggest that some colleges are refusing admission to students for these seats, citing various reasons, leading to vacant seats in the first and second rounds of admissions.
In light of these claims, Kalpesh Yadav, Joint Secretary of Yuva Sena, submitted a formal request to the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, calling for an investigation into the admissions processes of the implicated colleges. Following this request, authorities have initiated the inquiry.
The investigation will focus on the following colleges:
1) Bharatratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College, Pune
2) Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune
3) Maharashtra Institute of Medical Education and Research Medical College, Talegaon, Pune
4) Ashwini Medical College, Solapur
5) Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences & Research (MIMSR) Medical College, Latur
6) Terna Medical College, Navi Mumbai
7) Vedanta Medical College, Palghar
8) NY Tasgaonkar Institute of Medical Science (NYTIMS), Karjat
9) Prakash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Islampur, Sangli
A two-member committee will be formed to investigate these institutions, with a mandate to submit its findings within eight days.
“Until we uncover the truth and hold these colleges accountable, our fight will continue to ensure students get their rightful money back,” said Kalpesh Yadav, expressing his commitment to the issue.
