CMC Ludhiana declined permission for separate counselling

Punjab: The Christian Medical College, Ludhiana's request to conduct separate counselling for its NEET based post graduate admissions was turned down by the Punjab Government, on Wednesday. This has been done, in view of the earlier decision taken by the Government to conduct 'Joint Counselling' for PG admissions for both government and private medical institutions.

The Department of Medical Education and Research has already directed the college to fill its PG seats through 'Joint Counselling' to be held for all private and government medical colleges in the state, on the basis of the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET)-PG merit.

Baba Farid University of Health Sciences is already on its way to invite applications from eligible students . The process that was initiated on Tuesday, is to be end on March 3.

"The CMC had requested for exemption from the department's latest instructions on certain premises. Responding to the college on Wednesday, the department has asked the college to go with the joint counselling only," said Vikas Pratap, the Medical Education Secretary .

He said the decision for conducting 'Joint Counselling' had been taken in order to maintain transparency in seat allotment at medical institutes, and a smooth 'take in' process for students.

If students welfare is of utmost concern for all private institution, then adoption of this transparent system, should not be a problematic decision for any of the institutions, felt the Medical Education Secretary; reaffirming that that the process had already been adopted in most states, based on the Centre's advice, reports HT.

Meanwhile, the CMC website continues to reflect counselling for its minority quota seats on February 17 and the open category on February 18. In other words, the college has not cancelled its scheduled counselling yet.