HC criticizes halting of medical fees, says govt departments shouldn't obstruct upliftment of weaker sections

KOCHI: The High Court has warned that the government's own departments should not obstruct the government's efforts to uplift the weaker sections of the society by providing free education.

Criticism has been leveled at the Scheduled Caste Development Department for obstructing fees to OEC students who have been re-admitted to KMCT Medical College after the Medical Council of India withdrew the MBBS course from Palakkad Medical College. Of these, 26 were transferred to KMCT for the second year.

The Department of Scheduled Caste Development stated that the fees for the second and third years could not be paid at KMCT College as the fees up to the third year were paid earlier at Palakkad Medical College. They then approached the High Court.

A division bench comprising Justice AK Jayashankaran Nambiar and Justice CP Mohammad Niaz expressed dissatisfaction with the department's stand. It is admitted that the fees due by the government were paid incorrectly. Children couldn't pay the fees due to the failure of those working for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes. The students had to face a situation in which their dignity and personality were hampered. The best way to uplift the weaker sections is through better education. That is why the government is taking on the responsibility of paying the fees of MBBS students. The court noted that the decision by the departments to overturn this decision was reprehensible.

Two and three-year fees should be paid immediately

• Within two months, two and three year fees must be paid to all five
• The annual fee is Rs 2.5 lakh
• The amount paid to Palakkad College can be recovered through steps including revenue recovery