Tamil Nadu’s DME Directs Medical and Dental Colleges Not to Collect Fees from 7.5% Quota Students

INDIA: Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) has taken swift action in response to reports of certain medical colleges collecting fees from students admitted under the 7.5% quota for government school students pursuing MBBS courses. The latter refers to the 7.5% NEET quota for government school students. A total of 405 seats were reserved for government school students under the 7.5% NEET quota in 71 medical and dental colleges in the state.

In light of this, the DME has issued a circular to all deans of medical colleges instructing them to adhere strictly to the rules and refrain from collecting any fees from students falling under this category. 

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The circular, which was issued on August 4, emphasises that essential fees such as tuition, special, examination, hostel, mess, book, basic materials like a white coat, stethoscope, and other fees should not be charged from the students admitted under the 7.5% quota in both MBBS and BDS courses, whether in government or self-financial medical and dental colleges. This move aims to ensure that the students availing themselves of this quota are not burdened with financial constraints during their academic pursuits.

Inclusion of Girl Students Under the 7.5% Quota in Puthumai Penn Thittam

In an additional step towards promoting equal opportunities, the DME has extended the benefits of the Puthumai Penn Thittam program to girl students admitted under the 7.5% quota. 

Puthumai Penn Thittam is a government initiative that aims to empower and support girl students by providing them with various benefits and assistance. By including the girl students availing the 7.5% quota in this program, the DME seeks to bolster their academic journey and help them overcome any challenges they may face during their studies.

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Special Care and Monitoring for Quota Students

To ensure that students admitted under the 7.5% quota receive adequate support, the DME has advised medical and dental colleges to establish mentor groups led by senior professors. These mentor groups will be responsible for monitoring the academic progress of the quota students and providing any necessary assistance. 

Additionally, the colleges are encouraged to arrange for extra classes if requested or needed by the students. The objective is to create a conducive learning environment that nurtures the growth and development of these students.

Focus on Curbing Ragging

Alongside the other measures, the DME has stressed the importance of preventing ragging, an issue that can detrimentally impact students’ well-being and academic performance. Medical and dental colleges are directed to adhere to the guidelines set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to address and curb the menace of ragging, ensuring a safe and supportive campus environment for all students, including those admitted under the 7.5% quota.

The circular issued by the Director of Medical Education and Research, Dr R Shanthimalar, reflects the state’s commitment to creating a level playing field for aspiring medical and dental students from diverse backgrounds. By exempting students admitted under the 7.5% quota from fees and providing additional support, Tamil Nadu aims to foster an inclusive educational landscape and pave the way for a more equitable future in the field of healthcare.