All CET for first MBBS entrance

Benjamin said it has been proposed to clamp prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code CPC within 200 metres of the examination centres from 6 am to 6 pm. As such, assembly of four or more persons near the examination centres will be illegal and carrying of arms and weapons of any description will be banned. 8220;This will help us to maintain law and order nearthe examination centres. We have also proposed to regulate movement of vehicles near the centres,8221; Benjamin told Express Newsline.

Benjamin disclosed that use of internet, mobile phones, laptops, calculators, fax machines, xerox copiers, wireless sets and transistors will also be banned within an area of 200 metres from the examination centres. 8220;It was found that there was rampant use of xerox and fax machines and mobile phones were used to transmit information. We will ensure that these gadgets are not brought in the specified area,8221; Benjamin added.

The Medical Education Secretary said the examinations will be conducted at all district headquarters with the help of the employees of the revenue department. 8220;While there will be several centres in the metropolis, in other parts of the state there will be one centre in each district,8221; he said.

For smooth conduct of examination, the medical education department has already appointed 31 officials for coordination with the district administration.These officials are either the deans or senior professors in the government-run medical colleges.

The department expects an estimated 40,000 students to appear for the entrance examination, which is being held as per the directives of the Apex Court. Two years ago, Additional Commissioner of Income Tax R K Rai had moved the Supreme Court seeking directions to the alliance government to hold common entrance test for medical courses. Medical Council of India guidelines prescribe that in a state with more than one board conducting the 12th standard examination, an entrance test should be held for admission to medical courses. In Maharashtra there are three boards 8211; CBSE, ICSE, HSC 8211; which hold 12th standard examination.

The Apex Court accepted Rai8217;s plea and asked the state government to hold the entrance examination from the 1998 academic year. However, when the state government expressed its inability to prepare for the entrance test in such a short period, the SC granted one year extension.