Pvt colleges can’t hold their own entrance exams, says Kerala CM

The association of self-financing college managements has, however, decided to push ahead with plans to have their own entrance examinations. Citing the SC judgement in the landmark PA Inamdar Vs State of Maharashtra case, sources said the colleges had a strong case and would have to move court unless the government climbed down.

Moreover, the government wants the self-financing colleges to levy the same fee as is charged in government colleges on the 50 per cent merit seats — only the remaining are to be charged as recommended by the Supreme Court-appointed Justice K T Thomas Commission.

The college managements, however, informed the state Higher Education secretary today that they would agree only to a formula by which 70 per cent of the seats carry fee recommended by the Thomas Commission. They also would provide scholarships to 15 per cent more students below poverty line, if the government takes care of the remaining 15 per cent.

The difference between what Thomas Commission recommends and what government colleges levy is huge. For instance, the Commission has stipulated Rs 1,13,000 and Rs 38,000 respectively for medical and engineering courses while it is Rs 11,500 and Rs 6,600 respectively in government colleges.