No change in the fee structure of self-financing medical colleges: Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday categorically stated that there would be no change in the fee structure finalised by the government for admission to self-financing medical colleges in the state.

At a press conference here, he said that there was no question of going back on the agreement. He said the complaints before the James Committee would be dealt with according to the norms.

He said strict action would be taken if there is any violation of the fee structure. “The UDF government had facilitated a situation where exorbitant capitation fees was charged by SFs. But now there is a big change as managements cannot take capitation fee,” he added.

He said it was natural that there was uneasiness among such sections. But why has the Congress and Youth Congress launched an agitation to protect the interest of these managements, he asked

Mr Vijayan said despite court and MCI directive for a time-bound completion of admission process by September 30, the government could reach an agreement with 20 SFs. The UDF had failed to reach such an agreement, he added.

The chief minister said the economically weaker students would get an opportunity to study in almost all government seats at a minimum fee of Rs 25,000. "Earlier the fee was Rs 8 lakh. We were able to bring these managements around to this fee structure and we are proud of the agreement. During UDF government's tenure the managements used to take money at different levels. The government has made it clear that not a single penny should be charged above the agreed fee," he added.

The chief minister said important feature of the agreement was that even for filling management seats, merit had to be adhered to. “It was not the situation during UDF Government's when candidates with lower rank got admission on the strength of money,” he said.

Mr Vijayan said that socially and economically backward students including those belonging to SC, ST, BC, BPL now have more opportunities to study.

He said the number of seats had also increased from 850 to 1,150 as a result of the the agreement. “The Opposition is alleging that managements used to charge Rs 1 crore as capitation fee. Now 350 seats have come from management to the government. Going by their argument, the managements lost crores of rupees and hence the discomfort,” he said.