Uttarakhand: Himalayan Institute Ordered to admit eligible students by High Court

Nainital/ Dehradun: A private medical college in Dehradun that has denied admission to a group of students, despite they being eligible, have been ordered by the Uttarakhand High Court to admit them all within 24 hours. The Court directive comes in the face of all having cleared the NEET entrance exam, and fulfilled admission formalities. The court stated that all these students could be admitted to the college if they had paid their fee by July 31. The directive is meant to apply to all other private colleges who may have denied admission to students on the same ground.

The court was responding to a writ filed by 44 students against the Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust (HIHT) in Dehradun, alleging that the institution was not granting them admission, despite having completed all formalities.

The stopping of admissions by private medical colleges in Dehradun allegedly occurred due to the differences that have risen over fee, between the government and the colleges. The negotiations over the fee issue between the two sides might last for a long time.

On Wednesday, while the HC delivered its directive to private medical colleges, a simultaneous meeting of the Fee Fixation Committee meeting was on, presided over by Former Judge Gurmeet Ram and Additional Chief Secretary, Ranveer Singh. It was also attended by representatives of private medical colleges. However, no decision could be taken over the issue of fee and another meeting has therefore, been fixed for August 9.

According to informed sources, both Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical & Health Sciences (SGRRIMHS),and Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust, the 2 functional private medical colleges in the state, were seeking a fee hike from the stipulated Rs. 5 lakh per annum to Rs 19.5 lakh for MBBS Courses. They were of the opinion that the current fee was very low, making it difficult for them to run the courses.

Meanwhile, a 10% fee hike was granted by the FCC for all nursing college courses in the state, at the meeting. However, no decision could be reached on medical course fee.

Dr Ashutosh Sayana, Director, Medical Education, refused to comment on the issue of fee, saying that he was "not involved in the fee decision process."

Senior PRO, SGRRIMS, Bhupendra Raturi, admitted to TOI that the college had started admitting eligible students in accordance with a court order, delivered on Monday.

"In the first phase of counselling, 67 students have got admission. Once the final fee is decided, students will have to pay accordingly as per the affidavit they have signed at the time of admission, " he revealed.