MCI scam: Ministry in a fix over new admissions

The Union Health Ministry,it seems,is finding it difficult to take a call on whether to allow Gian Sagar Medical College in Patiala,which landed in trouble...

The Union Health Ministry,it seems,is finding it difficult to take a call on whether to allow Gian Sagar Medical College in Patiala,which landed in trouble after CBI caught two men associated with the college allegedly striking a Rs 2-crore deal with MCI chief Dr Ketan Desai to start new courses,to admit students in the new batch.

Following Desais arrest last month,the ministry had asked the college to stop admissions to 2010-2011 batch and constituted a three-member committee to examine whether MCIs recommendation to renew authorisation to run medical courses were valid.

Last Monday,the committee gave a report in the favour of the college. The committee has given a clean chit to the medical college as it fulfils the criteria of land and building and keeping in view the factual position,things were found to be quite adequate by the three-member committee headed by Additional Secretary K Desiraju, sources said.

Story continues below this ad

This has put the ministry in a dilemma. If it refuses permission for admissions,the ministry fears,the college will go to court,which is most likely to rule in its favour. On the other hand,if CBI proves the bribery case,the college will have to be de-recognised,thus putting in peril the future of students admitted to the new batch. To find a way out,Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will meet his ministry officials and other experts. The ministry might also consult with CBI before a final decision is taken.

Principal and Dean of the college,A S Sekhon,is hopeful the ministry will give the go ahead for new admissions. The (Health Ministry) team questioned me and the students as well… I dont think this team,too,found anything negative, Sekhon said.