Mumbai: A postgraduate medical aspirant and her father have filed a complaint with the Fee Regulatory Authority (FRA) against the Prakash Institute of Medical Science and Research, Sangli, alleging a demand of ₹64 lakh for a gynecology seat. According to FRA’s ad hoc guidelines, institutional quota seats can be charged up to ₹42 lakh annually, significantly higher than the regular seat fee of ₹10.5 lakh.
Background of the Complaint
- The college is accused of demanding fees exceeding the ad hoc limit set by FRA.
- Multiple complaints have been lodged against the institution for non-compliance with government norms, prompting the FRA’s Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) to alert the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the state’s Admission Regulatory Authority (ARA).
- Despite FRA’s directive, the college has reportedly denied admission to the complainant.
Legal Proceedings and Pending Issues
The college has challenged a prior FRA order in the Bombay High Court, arguing that the ad hoc fees fixed by FRA should not be binding on new colleges or courses. The case remains under judicial consideration.
FRA’s Stand and Directives
GRC member Dharmendra Mishra highlighted that sudden fee changes disrupt students’ financial planning. “Students and their families plan their budgets well in advance, and altering fees last-minute is unfair,” Mishra said.
- FRA has instructed the college to admit the complainant provisionally, pending the High Court’s ruling.
- The college must take an undertaking from the student and report compliance by Saturday.
Potential Penalties Under Section 20 of the 2015 Act
If the college continues to deny admission or violate regulations:
- FRA may recommend withdrawal of its affiliation or approval under the Maharashtra Unaided Private Professional Educational Institutions (Regulation of Admissions and Fees) Act, 2015.
This case underscores growing concerns over private medical institutions disregarding regulatory norms, putting aspiring students and their families in difficult positions.
