MP: SC upholds domicile preference to MP students

Bhopal:The Supreme Court’s decision to maintain a status quo on the allotment list released on October 2, is an indication to the preference that the apex body has decided to give students enjoying a domicile status in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The court directive announced on, Wednesday last, has sent a ripple of joy among domicile aspirants seeking MBBS and BDS admissions in colleges of the state.

They now feel that justice has favoured their natural rights of domicile. Having struggled on the issue for the past month,and hoping to manage a seat for themselves through the counselling happening at Gandhi Medical College, students pointed out the order of the court will finally bring an end to the battle pursued by them, both at the High Court and the Supreme court- seeking relief.

“On Tuesday, I had lost all hopes because neither government nor directorate of medical education (DME) was coming out with any statement clarifying the situation. We were only told that they were following the Supreme Court’s order,” said a female aspirant..

The Directorate of Medical Education officials, have also expressed relief with the court order out, as students crying at the college gates for admission had become a depressing scene to watch.

Directorate of Medical Education (DME) has commenced the admission procedure, Thursday, on wards following the court announcement.

The Additional Advocate General, Purushaindra Kaurav,after the court directive was issued had revealed “The apex court made it clear that the students who have already completed the counselling process, held until September 30, should not be disturbed and that the list released on October 2 based on the process stands valid,”

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed the DME to double the strength of officers and employees involved in counselling to ensure that the process is completed by October 7. Presently 1000 officials are engaged in the admission process.

Read also:MP: Jabalpur HC bench gives preference to Domicile Candidates

The court has however, made it clear that seats in private medical colleges are to be filled only by those domicile students, who have participated in the counseling held on September 30.

Excerpts from Supreme Court's Judgement:

• As per the latest Supreme Court's ruling, the domicile students would be given first preference

• The remaining seats would be allotted to non-domicile students

• The Supreme Court in its last ruling on Wednesday favoured the domicile students, overruling its previous decision, which gave immunity to private medical colleges from state interference in their admission process.