Andhra governor wants ban on auction of medical seats

Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan on Monday had an hour-long meeting with Union Minister of Health Gulam Nabi Azad and discussed with him the hot subject of auction of medical seats in private medical colleges for a cost of Rs 70 to 80 lakhs.

For the past one week the issue of medical seats being auctioned has been a topic of intense debate in educational institutions and political circles.

Azad, who suffered a slipped disc, assured Governor ESL Narasimhan that the Union government would certainly look into the issue.

Narasimhan expressed displeasure over the government allowing managements of private medical colleges to sell the seats at prices in the range of Rs 70 lakh to Rs 80 lakh.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy had conferred with Minister for Medical Education Kondru Murali Mohan and decided to put in place a mechanism to prevent the 'auction' of medical seats.

Among the proposals that came up for discussion was the introduction of an online system even for filling management quota seats, but as there is no software ready the government appears to have abandoned the proposal and go in accordance with the existing system for this year.

However, it wants to ensure that rules are adhered to. The government is expected to constitute a committee to suggest measures to make the allotment of management quota seats foolproof.

Narasimhan also met Home Minister P Chidambaram for half an hour.