NEET PG 2023: Karnataka HC issues notice to Centre, MCC on Plea Challenging Zero Cutoff percentile

Bengaluru: On the plea filed challenging the recent decision of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) to reduce the NEET PG qualifying percentile to zero, the Karnataka High Court on Thursday issued notices to the Union Government, MCC and other authorities.

According to a recent report by IANS, the MCC decision was challenged by Advocate Dr. Vinod Kulkarni from Hubballi. The division bench headed by Chief Justice Prasanna B. Varale and Justice Krishna S. Dixit issued notices to opposite parties. The notices have been issued to the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry, the MCC and others.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) offered a major relief to the Postgraduate medical aspirants and reduced the cut-off for qualifying percentile for NEET-PG 2023 to "Zero" across all categories.

Writing to the Secretary of the Apex Medical Commission, the Union Health Ministry informed, "I am directed to refer to the above-mentioned subject and to say that the recommendation for a reduction in qualifying percentile for Post Graduate Courses for 2023 (NEET-PG 2023) has been considered in the Ministry."

"Approval of competent authority is hereby conveyed for reduction of qualifying percentile for NEET-PG 2023 to 'Zero' across all categories. This issues with the approval of competent authority," the Ministry further informed.

Due to this move, all those who appeared for the test will be able to appear in the counselling. The decision has drawn criticism as many feel mediocre medical students will secure seats in specialised postgraduate courses jeopardising public health.

Also Read:NEET PG 2023: Delhi HC Seeks Response from Centre, NBE on Plea Challenging Zero Cutoff percentile

This is the first time that the eligibility cut-off was completely done away with since the examination replaced all other medical entrance tests in 2017. Sources said that over 13,000 seats in medical colleges across the country remain vacant at present even after two rounds of counselling.

According to IANS, the petitioner explained that for 10 years the cut-off percentile for the NEET PG exam was 50 per cent. "The notification about doing away with a minimum of 50 per cent was published on September 20, 2023. Following the order by the MCC, any student who had attended NEET PG can get a seat of his choice. If this is the result, the country will become a factory which produces doctors.

"The Supreme Court has reiterated many times that merit should be the criterion for PG entrance. The new order enables more lobbying by the private medical colleges," the petition stated.

The petitioner had submitted that the direction should be given for the withdrawal of the order by the MCC in this regard and also directions should be given as per the earlier 50 per cent cut-off marks where it is mandatory for a candidate to obtain 50 per cent marks in NEET PG exams.