Punjab Govt To Hike MBBS Fee In Private & Public Colleges, SAD Opposes Decision

Punjab Cabinet has approved the proposal to increase the fees for MBBS courses in all colleges. Reportedly, the fee amount has been increased by almost 80%.

File Image

Chandigarh: Punjab government announced its decision to increase the fees of MBBS courses in public and private colleges.

As per reports, students will witness a hike of almost 80% in the amount.

Revealing the reason behind this move, the state government stated, "to ensure better medical education and infrastructure facilities for students, CM Captain Amarinder Singh led Punjab Cabinet has decided to increase the fee for the MBBS course in Government and Private Medical Colleges of the state."

To ensure better medical education and infrastructure facilities for students, CM @capt_amarinder Singh led #PunjabCabinet has decided to increase the fee for the MBBS course in Government and Private Medical Colleges of the state.

— Government of Punjab (@PunjabGovtIndia) May 27, 2020

A spokesperson for the Chief Minister's Office said that the colleges are facing a revenue deficit due to a massive surge in the price index over time and because of these financial constraints they are unable to meet the standards set by the Medical Council of India.

As expected, the decision to go for a fee hike is facing some criticism.

Dr. Daljit S Cheema, former education minister of Punjab and a spokesperson of Shiromani Akali Dal has opposed the Punjab cabinet's decision by tweeting, "SAD strongly opposed the Punjab cabinet’s decision to increase the fee for MBBS in govt & private medical colleges. This will further discourage brilliant students from poor families to become doctors and serve in rural areas. Rather they should think of subsidising med education."

SAD strongly opposed the Punjab cabinet’s decision to increase fee for MBBS in govt & private medical colleges. This will further discourage brilliant students from poor families to become doctors and serve in rural areas. Rather they should think of subsidising med education.

— Dr Daljit S Cheema (@drcheemasad) May 27, 2020

(With Agency Inputs)

WATCH | Seed Scam Punjab: Accused Lucky denies of any wrongdoing