Formulate guidelines for mgmt quota: HC

A division bench of the AP High court comprising Justice Ashutosh Mohanto and Justice D Seshadiri Naidu on Monday dismissed a batch of writ pleas on the question of admission to various private medical colleges in the State. A batch of writ petitions were filed complaining of lack of transparency in the admission process and thereby defeating various provisions which seek to prohibit Capitation fees.

The bench pointed out that while there could be real problems in the “monsoon of admissions” but the court would not interfere as the resolution of the dispute would relate to a number of disputed questions of fact. The bench speaking through Justice Seshadiri Naidu however laid down certain guidelines for the future for admission under the ‘management quota’ category. The bench said that the applications should be in a common format for the various private colleges and that admission too must be in a staggered pattern to enable students to attend to counseling at different colleges. The bench also made clear that in the future academic years a representative of the NTR Health University must necessarily be a part of the selection committee of the colleges.

Dismissing the 50 odd writ petitions the bench pointed out that the admissions were in accordance with rules which were not up for challenge in the writ petitions. The bench also pointed out that the petitioners failed to place on record strong material requiring the court to exercise its extra ordinary jurisdiction.

High Court’s direction, which can be applicable only from next year, came in the wake of allegations against some of the elite colleges in and around the Hyderabad city, for flouting the norms blatantly. Several merit students have cried foul over the admissions, most of which were said to be out of turn. Colleges have sold the seats for a whopping amount ranging from Rs 50-80 lakh per seat, denying the merit students a chance greatly. Students have found fault with the managements for not allowing them even to apply. “The websites of the colleges could not be opened, applications not downloaded. When the students went to the colleges, they were physically thrashed and sent out. The students then approached the court when a single judge bench ordered all the colleges to allow students to apply off-line and asked the managements to make admissions as per merit. But this was also not followed. The only monitoring agency, NRT Health University failed to protect the interests of the students and acted hand in glove with the cash-hungry managements” some of the parents who spoke to The Hans India lamented.

Latest ruling though widely welcomed by parents and students, it was felt that had it come a bit earlier, some of the colleges could not have resorted to hoodwinking merit students. Questions have also arisen what would be the criterion if the state adopts NEET from 2014 as promised. Doubts have also cropped up what would be the position if the state is bifurcated. In the event of division, the Article 371(D), which provides a special status to State students, may go. If NEET is permitted in place of EAMCET-Medical, everything would change. But by and large, the Bench’s

direction to prepare a common format and guidelines for management quota seats is a ray of hope for meritorious lot.