Deemed universities should follow SC directions on medical courses seats : UGC

 University Grants Commission on Friday directed 34 deemed universities which offer medical programmes to abide by the Supreme Court's recent order while filling up their seats as the Central Board of Secondary Education declared the results of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

The Centre's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) will conduct the Counselling for 15% All India Quota seats in Government medical colleges, the higher education regulator said in an advisory to the vice chancellors of the deemed universities which offering medical courses .

“The counselling conducted by DGHS will also include Deemed Universities as they have an all India character. The Deemed Universities mentioned above shall also include Deemed Universities run by religious and linguistic minorities,” it added.

Referring to a Supreme Court order that came on May 9, the Commission said that the notification to be issued by the DGHS and the State Government on Common Counselling should also provide the fee structure of the deemed universities and private medical colleges.

The apex court also directed that the DGHS and the State Government concerned should also obtain the consent of the students regarding their willingness to pay the fees provided in the notification, it added.

“You are hereby requested to ensure compliance to the directions from the Supreme Court of India. Failure to comply with the directions of the apex court would tantamount to the contempt of court,” the UGC said in its letter to the vice chancellors of the varsities.

“Candidates may visit website www.mcc.nic.in for further information regarding cut off marks etc and apply for 15% All India Quota seats as per the directions of the DGHS. Counselling will be stopped soon the seats are exhausted,” the CBSE said.

For State quota and other seats falling under the ambit of the States, candidates will have to apply to their domicile states. A merit list will be prepared by concerned Counselling Authorities based on the All India Rank as per the rules of the State concerned.

The counselling for private medical colleges will also be conducted by the concerned State Counselling Authority.

“The counselling would be conducted by the respective Counselling Authorities subject to prevailing rules and norms for admission in Medical Colleges/Dental Colleges under their ambit. Candidates are advised to be in touch with the respective Counselling Authorities and Institutions concerned for further details,” the CBSE said.

Earlier in March, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare made provision for common counselling at the State level for admission to under graduate and post graduate medical programmes.

“As per the amendments made in the relevant regulations of MCI (medical Council of India), the designated authority at the State/UT level shall conduct common counselling for all medical education institutions in the State whether established by the Central Government, State Government, University, Deemed University, Trust, Society, Company, Minority Institutions or Corporation,” the Ministry said in a statement on March 11.

The counselling for All India Quota seats at under graduate and post graduate level will continue to be conducted by the DGHS, the Ministry added.