State PMT back on calendar
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 18 2013: With the Supreme Court quashing the notification issued by Medical Council of India (MCI) to hold a common entrance test for pursuing MBBS, BDS and Post Graduate courses under the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), the State PMT 2013 is back on the calendar of the State Government, more precisely the State Health Directorate.

According to information received from the Health Directorate, MBBS/BDS entrance test 2013 would be held without fail as the Supreme Court has quashed NEET.

On learning about the Supreme Court overruling the NEET notification, officials of the Health Directorate held an emergency meeting today.

The meeting discussed on holding the State MBBS/BDS entrance as usual.

The meeting concluded by adopting a decision to hold another meeting with the Health Minister so that question of holding the State PMT is tabled at the Cabinet meeting scheduled tomorrow for a final decision.

Although the exact date for holding the State PMT 2013 would be fixed by the Cabinet, it may he held on July 28 or August 4 .

Earlier all preparations were made for holding PMT 2013 on June 9 but it was aborted by a Cabinet decision adopted on June 6 saying MBBS/BDS students would be selected from amongst the NEET qualified candidates.

In the meantime, the Supreme Court issued a directive on May 13 stating that results of PMTs held before May 13 may be declared but PMTs held after the same date should not be declared without prior permission of the Court.

In accordance with the Supreme Court directive, the State Cabinet decided that NEET results would be the sole criteria for selection of MBBS/BDS students and no State PMT would be held, the Health Director recalled.

4950 students from the State appeared in NEET and 2956 candidates were declared qualified.

On the other hand, 5756 application forms sold for appearing in the State PMT and collected around Rs 40 lakhs as entrance fee.

Out of Rs 40 lakhs collected, Rs 23 lakhs were utilised in arranging for the aborted entrance test.

Reacting to Health Minister Phunzathang Tonsing's clarification that the State PMT was aborted in accordance to the Supreme Court's interim order, the Manipur MBBS/BDS 2013 Entrance Examination Parents'/Guardians' Association asked if the Health Minister was speaking with closed eyes just to please superior authorities.

Moreover, a petition was also filed at Court challenging the Cabinet decision of June 6 .

After perusing the petition, the High Court of Manipur demanded a copy of the Supreme Court's order which the Advocate General failed to comply.

In the meantime, many student organisations including MSF, AMSU, KSO and All Tribal Students' Association, Delhi were protesting against the State Cabinet decision.

Comment