JOIN USFollowing the High Court order on Tuesday that directed the Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), to pay a compensation of Rs one crore each to the three students who were illegally admitted to the MBBS course, Dr Appaji Gowda, president of Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha that manages KIMS, said the college was ready to re-admit them to the first year under the NRI (non-resident Indian) quota.
“No eligibility criteria is required except for a candidate to have passed their previous qualifying examination. We are, in any case, not getting enough students through the NRI quota. However, there are some conditions the students will have to follow. For example, a relative staying outside the country has to issue a sponsorship letter stating that he/she is sponsoring the education of the candidate,” he said.
He said the Supreme Court had fixed a fees of around US$60,000 to US$65,000 for the entire course. “This year, we have got the nod for 150 seats. However, we will forgo three seats to accommodate these three students.”
Gowda said he had communicated the same to the parents and the candidates “were getting ready to get admitted”. They are, however, yet to take a decision.
Gowda said the MCI had allowed the intake of 150 seats last year, which was why the institute had admitted the three students. However, a communication was received soon after that the intake was reduced to 120 without any valid reason.
“We approached the Supreme Court, which agreed to restore the seats with a rider that 30 seats would go to the CET pool and not under the management quota. There was also a special counselling for the enhanced seats for many colleges,” he said.
When asked about the hefty donations paid by the students, especially the case of Ruthvik who allegedly paid 47 lakh to two directors of the Sangha, while also giving Rs 65 lakh towards the VS Hospital Fund, Dr Gowda feigned ignorance. “I have no knowledge of other payments except for the Rs 65 lakh,” he said.
The High Court had given the liberty to the candidate to press civil or criminal action on this matter.