Bombay HC order upsets medical aspirants

MUMBAI: Medical aspirants in the state are upset with the Bombay high court’s interim order directing the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) to allow registration of candidates who have not completed their Class 10 from Maharashtra.

Students and parents in the city have demanded clarity on domicile as those studying outside the state will secure seats in medical colleges in Maharashtra. DMER rules mandate continuous stay of the past 10 years in Maharashtra. Following the HC order however, DMER has allowed 67 candidates to register and these candidates have secured private and government MBBS seats in the first selection round.

A parent said, “We demand clarity on domicile as students studying outside the state come to grab seats in medical colleges here on the basis of domicile, which they obtain based on their parents’ stay. The seats should only be given on the basis of a minimum 10 years of education in the state along with the domicile criteria.”

Parents of many students on Monday even met MNS chief Raj Thackeray to discuss the domicile issue. A student said, “It’s a great loss for students like us who pursued our education in Maharashtra and want seats in the state quota. However, seeing the way students from outside are getting admission is very saddening for us.”

Another parent said, “In order to protect the rights and the future of the students, the state should give admissions to students who have passed Classes 10 and 12 (both) from the state and have the state domicile.”

The next hearing on this matter is scheduled on July 23.