Gujarat University to have own way?

Gujarat University’s (GU) decision to give preference to its own students in Post Graduate medical courses from 2017- 18 academic session has been challenged by nine non-GU students in the Gujarat High Court, on the grounds that it is discriminatory to students of other universities. As per SC ruling of September 22, 2016, the state governments will to give admission to such courses only via a centralised system based on student’s score in NEET-PG exam (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post- Graduation medical courses).
NEET-PG was conducted between December 5 and 13 and the result is expected to be declared in January. Before SC’s intervention, all the universities — including GU — had control over admission to 50% of the seats in PG medical courses and gave preference to their own students over students from other universities. However, given GU’s decision on October 10, starting academic year 2017-18, students from other universities will get admission in PG courses in colleges affiliated to GU only if seats remain vacant or fall vacant.
GU has in its kitty about 60% of the total PG medical seats offered by various universities in Gujarat. Out of total 793 MD seats in Gujarat, 283 are offered by GU. Likewise in MS course, GU offers 160 seats out of total 396 across Gujarat. In super specialty courses, GU has lion’s share. In DM, GU offers 38 seats out of total 40 across Gujarat. For MCh, GU offers 48 seats out of 55 across Gujarat. GU-affiliated medical colleges also offer more variety of degree and diploma courses. “The high court has sought explanation from the state government and GU over the issue,” said Nikhil Kariel, counsel for the nine students.
Respondents have own take
The government is yet to arrange for centralised admission for PG Medical admissions the process for which will start once NEET-PG results are declared in January. “The state government is considering the issue and will make its stand clear only before the court,” J P Gupta, Commissioner of Health, told Mirror when asked whether admission should be done through universities or through centralised admission committee of the state government. He further said: “At present I can’t comment on GU’s action — whether it is right or wrong — as the matter is sub judice.”
The Gujarat University, on its part, says it has the right to give preference to its own students as the SC has not barred them from doing so. “I can say that the Supreme Court has given the verdict to conduct admissions through NEET-PG only and we are going to do just that. The Supreme Court in its judgment has not barred us to give preference to our students. Not only GU, other universities of the state are doing the same practice since 1990,” said Mahesh Patel, Dean of the Medical faculty of the GU.
Petitioners cry indiscrimination
Talking to Mirror, petitioner Dr Yatin Patel, 25, said: “Our point is that admission should be done only through the centralised admission procedure contemplated in NEET-PG rules introduced in 2016. Even the state government is yet to frame rules as per NEET-PG. Without waiting for the framing of rules by the state government in accordance with NEET- PG, the GU has passed rules in haste to give preference to their students and start issuing forms.” Yatin finished his MBBS from a medical college in Bhuj that is affiliated to the Kutch University. Explaining his decision to file the petition, he said: “Even if I score more than a GU student in NEET-PG, he will get the admission in a course of his choice in a GU affiliated college while I will be left out.
Also, GU has more seats to offer. For instance, in Ophthalmology GU has 40 seats while my university has just 20 seats. Even if I score more than a GU student, he or she will get the admission in Ophthalmology course offered by GU-affiliated college while I will stand no chance.” Co-petitioner Dr Samirkhan Pathan, who passed his MBBS from Saurashtra University affiliated C U Shah College in Surendranagar, said: “Even if we get gold medal in our university and get high marks in NEET, we will have to wait for GU to fill up seats from their own students. This is a clear case of discrimination.”
Another co-petitioner Dr Asim Mansuri, who completed MBBS from Surat’s government medical college which is affiliated to Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, commented: “GU indulged in this practice till last year. Now the rules have changed not only for the GU but other universities as well. The PG seats can now be filled up only through centralised admission process just like it is done for MBBS admission.”
GU students to join respondents
Meanwhile, more than 200 students of the GU have filed an application to join the respondent (Gujarat University) and the court has allowed them to tender their submissions. GU students have joined the legal battle as they fear the outcome of the case can harm their interests. Legal observers say a fierce legal battle is on the anvil.