Andhra: Govt MBBS seats being sold for a price

In government colleges, seats are often blocked and not shown in second counselling. Many of these seats are sold.

AP: A medical scam is brewing in the state with agents allegedly selling medical seats for a price. There are reported irregularities in medical admissions in medical institutes in the state. This includes government and private medical colleges both. It is reported that in government colleges, seats are often blocked and not shown in second counselling. Many of these seats are sold.

A media report on the matter has implied that the students are alleging that in spite of the fact that they have secured good marks, they are facing hassles in securing admission even in government colleges. It seems like a situation similar to MP and Haryana, the two states which reported a big admission racket earlier.

An RTI has also confirmed this fact revealing alleged irregularities in colleges attached to NTR University of Health Sciences. There are 10 government and private medical colleges affiliated to the NTR University under scrutiny.

It is alleged that reserved seats for local candidates have been given to outside students on a payable commission basis. Additionally, 100 fraud admissions are reported, with seats allegedly being sold between Rs 80 lakh and Rs 1 crore.

Political pressure in medical college committees has also been blamed. A senior doctor from Anantapur observed that in Karnataka, there was at least minimum quality as maths and spiritual institutions ran private colleges. “Though they too are collecting hefty donations, candidates get quality education,” he said to the media.

Students seeking admission on a merit basis are under frustration. One of them implied that after going for counseling, the process was abruptly stopped just after it started. There was an interruption of one hour and the students were told that there is a technical fault in the system. However, when the session started gain they were told that the seats have been filled. This incident was narrated by a girl seeking admission in a government medical college.

Also, as a common practice this time, government colleges are not conducting second round of counseling. RTI activist Marri Ramana, is reported to be fighting for the issue, and has demanded a CBI probe into the matter.

“Children with money and recommendations are getting seats but bright students are being left out,” said Geyanand, Member of Legislative Council from Rayalaseema to the press, adding that it had become a business, tampering with the system. He stressed on the need to tighten the rules during counselling at all levels.