'Uncle-Aunty quota' for NRI admissions in Kerala too!; MBBS and nursing admissions getting rigged

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: MBBS and nursing NRI quota admission rigging, similar to the one in Punjab, which the Supreme Court observed as fraud, is taking place in Kerala as well. Most of those getting admission in the 15% NRI quota started for the children of expatriates are children of their brother and sister and distant relatives. It was in 2019 that an order was issued to expand the definition of NRI quota.

Admission under the NRI quota is allowed under the sponsorship of mother, father, children of the mother's or father's siblings (first cousins), wife, husband, half-siblings, niece and adopted parents. The definition was developed by including the children of brother and sister's siblings in the NRI quota. It is alleged that with this those who have an aunt, uncle and half-brothers living abroad are getting admission bypassing those with merit.

The supreme court observed that the Punjab government had watered down the objective of the NRI quota by including uncle, aunt, grandfather and uncle's children. It is alleged that a similar pattern is happening in Kerala.

To be given for admission

• Certificate certified by embassy/consulate that the sponsor has a job abroad
• An affidavit written on a stamp paper of Rs 200 that the student is a relative of the sponsor. Passport and visa copies
• Attestation by revenue authorities that the student has a relationship with the sponsor
• If it is sponsorship by an uncle or aunt, the village officer should confirm the relationship
• If the applicant is a nephew, niece or children of mother/paternal siblings, it should be recorded in the certificate from the village.
• The notary must attest an affidavit that the student is dependent on the sponsor and that all expenses, including fees, will be borne by the sponsor

Rs 10 lakh

• Rs 5 to 10 lakh per head is charged for BSc Nursing NRI seat. There is also an annual fee of Rs 1.3 lakh. Admissions are made by managements
• The NRI fee for MBBS is Rs 20 lakh. The colleges do not have the opportunity to charge per head fee as the allotment is done by the Entrance Commissioner.
• For dental, the fee under the NRI quota is Rs 6 lakh, but the demand is low. If there is no demand for these seats, these seats are transferred to general merit.