PG medical aspirants back government on domicile condition

About 300 medical and dental postgraduate aspirants and the members of Karnataka Medical Students and Youth Doctors Association gathered at the Freedom Park on Monday to show their support to the government's decision on Karnataka domicile for PG courses in government colleges.

Earlier, a student who had completed MBBS or BDS in a college in Karnataka was eligible for PG medical and dental seats in government colleges and subsidised government seats in private colleges. Now, the student should have studied for 10 years in the state or the should have completed class 11 and 12 and either parent should have studied in Karnataka for 10 years.

The gathering on Monday supported the government's move. They protested against students from other states taking the matter to the Supreme Court. The Medical Council of India also opposed the government's notification during the hearing.

"Many people have misunderstood and are under the impression that students from other states cannot study in Karnataka at all. But they are still eligible for other categories like the private seats, management, and other seats. Why should our state government subsidise seats for them when they will not stay on and practise here," said Dr Bharath Kumar, president of the association.

S G Siddaramaiah, chairperson of the Kannada Development Authority   and members of the state chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) also took part in the gathering.

Dr Kumar said that with the new rule at least 600 MD and MS seats and 300 MDS seats would be allotted to candidates from the state.

Dr Muthuraj N, assistant professor in a medical college, said "To get the seat reserved for students from Kannada medium, you need to study in that medium for 10 years. Similar rules apply for Hyderabad-Karnataka region. Then why should this be any different."

He also clarified that this was not a Kannada language issue as students who are originally from other states but have been living here for more than 10 years would also be eligible for the government seats.