Tamil Nadu: Dual Nativity, a major issue for medical aspirants

CHENNAI: Hopes of domicile candidates in Tamil Nadu have taken a dip on two accounts, the holding of the National Common Entrance Test (NEET) and the now the counselling of medical admissions that allow students from other states to claim nativity in the state

The problem of 'dual Nativity' in states seems to be on the rise, with the number at 47 in 2016, rising to reach a 499 this year. Recently a Villupuram based advocate submitted nine candidate names showing in both Kerala and Tamil Nadu rank lists. Meanwhile, parents pointed out that the name of a Tamil Nadu topper was also figuring in the Kerala list.

Restrictions might have been placed on students from moving out of all India quota seats, however, state counselling candidates are in a no holds barred situation. Senior officials stated that those who have studied in Tamil Nadu, are free to claim the 'other state Nativity' and vice versa.

The State Selection Committee’s prospectus states that all candidates have to be natives of Tamil Nadu or should have studied from Class VIII to Class XII in Tamil Nadu. Anybody who has studied outside the state from Class VIII to Class XII will have to produce a nativity certificate.

Dr A Edwin Joe, Director of Medical Education said caution was being exercised by the committee. "We have taken an undertaking from students, but there is nothing in the prospectus that stops a student from seeking admission in two states," he revealed to the TOI.

NEET scores have been made the basis for medical seats in the State this year. The first day of general counselling had the Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan cautioning of criminal action and withdrawal of allotment if malpractice was established through proof.

“When we interrogated the nine candidates, four of them admitted to have double nativity certificates,” said Director of Medical Education, A. Edwin Joe.

On the issue of dual nativity, the DME claimed to have received at least four complaints. Three complaints were received on Sunday about 50 candidates from Puducherry claiming nativity here and in the UT. Another complaint was received through social media from abroad, he informed the Hindu.

Meanwhile, Ezhilan Naganathan, Youth Org, Head, listed 189 candidates to be possessing dual nativity on the basis of which their names appeared in merit lists of both Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

“We found that 932 candidates who had been allotted seats in management quota hold two nativity certificates. If these candidates are eliminated after a thorough examination, then more Tamil Nadu students will be eligible,” he said.

As many as 188 candidates from Andhra Pradesh and 149 from Telangana feature on the merit list, among the total of 1,269 candidates who have applied under the management category from other states, said Mr Naganathan

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana permit candidates of their state alone to participate in medical counselling, therefore duality in nativity does not arise, revealed Mr Naganathan said.

The city police, meanwhile, are verifying all the complaints received and referring them back to the Health Secretary.

Medical Education officials admitted, if complaints registered were proven to be true, a redistribution would take place during the 2^nd round of counselling.

“If, however, scrutiny is delayed, the department may have to appeal to the Medical Council of India for an extension to complete the process,” Dr Edwin said.

The OC, BC and BCM category in government medical colleges were filled on Sunday; with 1,596 candidates attending the counselling organized by the Selection Committee.

On Monday the officials had slated counselling for 2,989 candidates. However, with fewer seats available, Selection Secretary G. Selvarajan, asked parents and candidates to visit www.tnhealth.org and tnmedicalselection.org to ascertain seat availability, in their choices, before coming for counselling.