Report in business standard

Maha: Opposition alleges Rs 266-cr scam in medical admissions

Mumbai  April 17, 2013
Maharashtra Medical Education Minister Vijaykumar Gavit today admitted that irregularities took place during the admissions to private medical and dental colleges in 2012-13, and said the government will come out with a new regulatory mechanism. 

Replying to a discussion on the issue through a calling attention notice in the lower house, the Minister also announced a probe by Chief Secretary. 

The issue was raised by senior BJP legislator Devendra Phadanvis who alleged that in 2012-13, 266 seats were given to non-meritorious students. Admissions control committee found that 19 colleges were involved in the irregularities. 

"Each seat was sold for Rs one crore, it was a scam of Rs 266 crore and medical education secretary Iqbalsingh Chahal and deputy secretary A B Aatraam were involved," Phadanvis alleged. 

But instead of taking action, the state government wrote to Medical Council of India asking whether the recommendations of admissions control committee were mandatory, he said. 

Leader of Opposition Eknath Khadse alleged that most of these colleges belonged to the ruling Congress-NCP leaders, so the government was trying to shield them. 

Gavit admitted that there were irregularities, and said, "Out of 19 colleges, six moved the courts. Therefore, before taking any action, the government has to see whether there are any directives from the courts". 

A high-level probe will be headed by the Chief Secretary, he assured.

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