MBBS Admissions After September 30th Deadline, 450 students left in lurch

Puducherry: MBBS admission of around 450 students in Puducherry has now become uncertain as the process was completed by the authorities after September 30, the cut-off date prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

While the UT administration is still counting on a relaxation provided by NMC, the CPI(M) in Puducherry has demanded a probe into the matter. CPI(M) leader R. Rajangam has also slammed the authorities including the Union and the State Governments for playing with the lives of medical students in such a manner. He has also alleged that the irregularities in the MBBS admission process has been designed to favour the private medical institutes, adds The Hindu.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that taking note of the fact that several states are conducting Undergraduate MBBS Counselling beyond the cut-off date, the Apex Medical Commission issued a warning to the stakeholders and reiterated that all MBBS admissions must be completed within September 30 of the concerned academic year.

Another official added, "The government may have to make a compelling case before the NMC explaining the circumstances of overshooting the cut-off date for completing medical admissions."

Previously, the convenor of CENTAC had opined that the NMC notice would not be applicable for Puducherry as the Home Ministry approved a 10% quota for government school students only on September 5.

However, sources informed The Hindu that citing the period of awaiting Central clearance for the 10% quota for government school students, as an excuse for missing the deadline may not cut the ice. This is because the Union Government granted the permission on September 5 and provided the candidates with proper opportunity to complete all rounds of counselling by September 30, 2023.

As per sources, publication of a flawed seat matrix and its subsequent revision also resulted in delayed admission process and as a result of this, only the first round of counselling could be completed before September 30,

Commenting on the matter, M. Narayanasamy, president of the Puducherry UT All CENTAC Students Parents Association (PCESPA) told the Daily, "The chaos and confusion surrounding CENTAC procedures has become an all-too familiar pattern year after year. It is high time that the government cleans up what has turned a messy state of affairs with medical admissions."

Meanwhile, political parties across aisle have blamed the government for the uncertain future of the students. CPI(M) State Secretary in Puducherry R. Rajangam pointed out that at least 358 students were admitted after the cut-off deadline. Issuing a statement, he added that inordinate delay in conducting the counselling after government notified the 10% quota was the main reason for this situation.

The Hindu adds that Mr. Rajangam has urged the authorities to take appropriate measures to secure the future of the students who were admitted after September 30. Further, he has also demanded a probe under a retired Supreme Court judge into the alleged corruption in the admission process.

AIADMK secretary A. Anbalagan has demanded the Government to bring out a white paper on the medical admission procedure. He has also demanded action against the responsible officials and urged the Lt. Governor and Chief Minister to take up the issue of the students to the Central Government authorities.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary of AIADMK, Vaivyapuri Manikandan pointed out that in 2016 as well, medical students who had been admitted after the deadline were disqualified. Such students finally got recognition after a legal battle.

Commenting on the matter, M. Narayanasamy, the President of PCESPA said, "This time too, we fear that seeking legal recourse could be the only path to justice for students." Mr. Narayanasamy is planning to go to Delhi to file a plea before the NMC on the behalf of the affected students.

Also Read: Either Unfilled or Cancelled: MBBS vacant seat count may surpass 2000 seats this year