Assam proposes NRI quota in MBBS

Guwahati: The state cabinet on Thursday proposed annual reservation of 10% seats in MBBS course in state medical colleges from the seats that will remain after deduction of 15% all-India quota, central pool, North Eastern Council quota, Royal Government of Bhutan quota for NRIs or NRI-sponsored students who have cleared NEET-UG examination.The cabinet also proposed increase in reservation for six communities of OBC/MOBC category (Non Creamy Layer) from 27 to 30 (Brahmaputra Valley 22 seats and Barak Valley 8 seats), which include reservation of one seat in BDS course for each of the six communities — Moran, Matak, Tai Ahom, Chutia and Koch Rajbongshi.It has also been proposed to reserve 10% EWS quota for MBBS seats in six medical colleges — Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Jorhat, Tezpur and Barpeta. The amendment proposal to increase reservation is in view of the increase in MBBS seats in the state’s medical colleges.Discontinuation of physical non-judicial stampsThe cabinet approved discontinuation of sale of physical non-judicial stamps from July 1 to make 100% use of digital stamping. But physical stamps purchased before June 30 by vendors and common people for legitimate transactions will be allowed to be used till September 30. Existing stamp vendors with valid licences will be rehabilitated by converting their establishments into Citizen Service Centres for which Rs 1 lakh will be provided. The decision was made to give a boost to digital stamping and ensure the state government cuts down on costs by providing a faster and more transparent payment process via 100% digital stamping.