Mumbai: Sangli-based Prakash Institute of Medical Science and Research has approached the Bombay High Court (HC) after being delisted by the Fee Regulating Authority (FRA) for allegedly overcharging postgraduate medical students. The college faces allegations of demanding fees significantly higher than those approved by the FRA.
Court Proceedings
- A bench comprising Justices Rajesh S. Patil and A.S. Chandurkar has scheduled the next hearing for January 20, 2025, granting the FRA counsel time to take instructions.
- The FRA acted upon complaints filed by students in the MD/MS programs, alleging discrepancies in the fees displayed and charged.
Allegations and FRA Action
- Approved Fee: FRA set the ad-hoc fee for PG medical courses at ₹10.5 lakh annually.
- Demanded Fee: The college displayed ₹16 lakh per year on its website after the admission process began, totaling ₹64 lakh for the entire course.
- Student Complaints: Students approached the FRA, which directed the college to charge the approved ad-hoc fee and secure undertakings for any adjustments based on FRA’s final decision. However, the college allegedly refused to comply, demanding higher fees for admission.
- Delisting: Due to non-compliance with FRA directives, the college was delisted.
Criticism of the College
Medical education activist Brijesh Sutaria criticized the college’s failure to resolve fee discrepancies before admissions, stating,
“This caused unnecessary stress and confusion for aspirants, as the fees displayed on the website exceeded their budget.”
Medical education counselor Sudha Shenoy highlighted the exploitation of loopholes in the ad-hoc fee system, explaining that newly approved colleges often demand higher fees, claiming pending FRA approval. She urged the FRA to finalize fee structures before the admission process to prevent such issues.
Implications
This case raises concerns about:
- Transparency in Fee Structures: Colleges revising fees mid-admission process causes financial strain on students.
- Accountability: Regulatory authorities need stricter mechanisms to enforce compliance and prevent exploitation of ad-hoc fee systems.
- Student Welfare: The issue underscores the need for clear and enforceable fee regulations to protect students from undue stress and financial burden.
The Bombay HC’s decision on January 20, 2025, will have significant implications for medical education governance in Maharashtra.
