
MUMBAI, FEB 28: The state government has drafted a comprehensive code of conduct for the May 23 Maharashtra Common Entrance Test 1999 MCET for admission to MBBS, BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Unani, Pharmacy, Homoeopathy and Ayurveda courses. This is the first time that the government is holding an entrance test for these courses in conjunction with the newly set up Maharashtra University of Health Sciences.
8220;The CET is being held in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court and we will ensure that the examination will be held in a free and fair atmosphere,8221; Medical Education Secretary Thomas Benjamin said.
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.