Chennai: “Is it not a shame to seek exemption from National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Neet) for Tamil Nadu,” asked Justice N Kirubakaran of the Madras HC during the hearing of the petitions relating to sharing of PG medical seats between the government and non-governmental colleges.
Justice Kirubakaran posed this query to Special govt pleader Rajagopal when the latter pointed out that the Tamil Nadu govt has passed a Bill seeking exemption from Neet and it is awaiting the assent of the President.
“Why do you want an exemption? What is the reason? You are not providing quality education to the students. By seeking an exemption, can we conclude that Tamil Nadu education standard is not on par with other states?” said Justice Kirubakaran.
The Judge also directed the Medical Council of India to file a reply as to how many seats have been approved in PG medical courses in each institution namely degree and diploma specialty-wise in government colleges, private colleges and deemed universities. How were the seats filled in 2016-17 in these institutions? and Whether the MCI has followed up the matter to see that the seats were filled up as per the merits and as per the regulations and also as per the quota fixed by the MCI?.
Suo motu impleading the Union government as a party Respondent, the judge also wanted a reply as to what is the procedure to be followed for the year 2017-18 regarding sharing of seats, and on what basis the seats have to be filled up by these institutions?
The judge directed the state govt to give details of the PG seats, got from private medical institutions in the year 2016-17 with specialty-wise details.
The details of candidates selected and the mode and criteria of selection, the judge added and also directed the MCI also to state as to whether they got computerised database of faculty in each institution.
The judge posted to April 3, further hearing of the petitions from Dr M Kamaraj and another, which sought a direction to the authorities to appropriate 50 percent of seats in the PG degree and diploma courses in each speciality from the non-governmental colleges.
