Price tag for PG medical quota seats

http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/12/stories/2006041212090400.htm

Price tag for PG medical quota seats

Special Correspondent

Rs. 20-lakh bond proposed for in-service PG candidates

HYDERABAD: In yet another twist to the controversial reservation of postgraduate medical seats to in-service candidates, the Government on Tuesday announced a price tag for the quota.

These candidates will have to serve the Government for a minimum specified period on completion of the PG degree and, in case of default on this commitment, cough up Rs. 20 lakhs. Details of this proposal are being worked out.

Medical students raised a furore over the Government's decision to increase the reservation for in-service candidates to 50 per cent in non-clinical courses while retaining the 30 per cent quota in clinicals. "In-service candidates will have to execute a bond for Rs. 20 lakhs while claiming the allotted PG seat. They can't say goodbye to the Government after completing the curse through reserved seat," said Health Minister K. Rosaiah. In-service candidates become eligible for the quota on completing two years' Government service in the tribal areas or for three years in other areas.

At a press conference here on Tuesday, the Minister along with Vice-Chancellor, NTR Health University, R. Sambasiva Rao justified the enhancement of the in-service quota on the ground that there was shortage of professors in Government medical colleges leading to the risk of de-recognition of the existing MBBS seats by the Medical Council of India. The council de-recognised 25 MBBS seats in Guntur Medical College last year on finding the posts of Professor vacant.

Mr. Rosaiah appealed to medicos and junior doctors to call off their agitation over the increased reservation for in-service candidates, realising the ground realities.

The Vice-Chancellor also justified adding of nine marks to all candidates who appeared for the entrance test for the PG seats. A second counselling would be held shortly.