Bengaluru: Hundreds of students from government medical colleges in the state gathered in front of Town Hall and protested against the proposed fee hike and introduction of NRI quota in government medical colleges. The termed the proposals as ‘anti-constitutional’ and called for its withdrawal.
Accusing the government of commercialisation of the education sector, All India Vice-President of Medical Service Centre Dr Sudha Kamath said, “The recent developments of medical fee hike from Rs 17,000 to Rs 50,000 for UG and Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh for PG, only adds to the impossibility of obtaining medical education in Karnataka. In addition, the implementation of NRI quota takes away 10% government medical seats which would shatter the dreams of aspiring doctors from middle and lower middle class families.”
She said, “Medical education which was supposed to create service minded doctors is now producing business oriented ones, as they pay exorbitant course fee.”
The demonstration and protests organised by the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) also condemned the government’s proposals call for its withdrawal.
“While everything is available for the rich, it should not be forgotten that there is talent and strong aspirations among the lesser privileged as well. The government should hence, be strong enough to stop making the medical education sector a complete business by letting the rich eat into the slight possibilities of others dreaming of a better future,” said a protester.
Last month, Medical Education Minister D.K. Shivakumar said in the legislative council that NRI quota would be introduced in government medical colleges in 2019-20. The government’s proposal to increase the fees of MBBS and PG courses in government medical colleges led to debates and protests by various stakeholders.
