LI Network
Published on: 26 September 2023 at 12:50 IST
In a recent development, the Supreme Court has declined to entertain a petition challenging the reduction of the cut-off qualifying percentile to zero for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2023 counseling.
This decision has significant implications as it allows all candidates who appeared for the NEET-PG to participate in the counseling process.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare took the decision to reduce the qualifying percentile to zero for NEET PG 2023 counseling across all categories. This move, while aimed at addressing the ongoing admission session, has sparked criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that this change may lead to less academically qualified medical students securing seats in specialized postgraduate courses, potentially affecting public health standards.
A notice issued by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), Directorate of Health Services, Government of India, confirmed the reduction of the qualifying percentile.
The notice stated, “It is for the information to candidates that the qualifying percentile for PG Courses (Medical/Dental) for NEET PG counseling 2023 has been reduced to ‘zero’ across all categories by MoHFW.”
The matter was brought before the Supreme Court and mentioned for urgent listing before a bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud.
The bench acknowledged the urgency of the plea and assured that it would be heard during the day.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel emphasized that the plea was not solely about admission but primarily concerned with the reduction of the qualifying percentile. However, the bench, which also included Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, expressed that the petitioner was not an aspirant and subsequently declined to entertain the plea.
This decision to reduce the qualifying percentile to zero for NEET-PG 2023 counseling has raised questions about the potential consequences for the quality of medical education and the healthcare system in India.
