'NRI quota complete fraud...': SC on Punjab's MBBS admissions rule
What's the story
The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed the Punjab government's appeal against a high court order that quashed amended rules to avail admission to MBBS courses through the Non-Resident Indian quota. The state government in a notification dated August 20 widened the definition of an NRI candidate and made relatives of NRIs eligible to seek admission to the course under this quota. The Punjab and Haryana High Court shot down this notification, observing that this "opens the door for potential misuse."
Quota misuse
Supreme Court backs high court's decision
The Punjab government's counsel argued that Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were following a broad definition for NRI quota admissions. However, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud dismissed this argument, stating, "You are saying the nearest relation of NRI will also be considered. What is this? Just a money-spinning tactic by the state." The bench, which also included Justice JB Pardiwala, supported the high court's decision and criticized the NRI quota system as a "complete fraud."
Quota impact
Supreme Court criticizes quota system's impact on education
The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, called the scheme a "money-spinning machine" and dismissed all the petitions related to it. The SC bench termed the HC verdict in the matter as "absolutely right" and highlighted the impact of such extensions to meritorious students. "Look at the deleterious consequences...the candidates who have three times higher marks will lose admission (in NEET-UG courses)," said the SC bench.
Quota expansion
Supreme Court rejects Punjab government's plea
The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, rejected the AAP-led Punjab government plea challenging the High Court's order to trash the expansion of the "NRI quota." The state government's policy aimed at extending the quota benefits to distant relatives to gain admission to medical and dental colleges in Punjab. The apex court came down heavily on this plea and said, "This fraud must end now."