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In a significant move to regulate the fees charged by private medical colleges, the Fee Regulating Authority (FRA) of the state has introduced a cap of ₹50,000 on caution money for health sciences courses, including MBBS. This cap encompasses all types of deposits such as those for libraries, laboratories, hostels, and mess services. The new rule stipulates that such deposits cannot be demanded at the time of admission, and students cannot be denied admission due to an inability to pay these fees upfront.
This decision comes as a response to numerous complaints received by the FRA regarding excessive caution money levied by private colleges. According to an FRA official, colleges are only permitted to charge the fixed fees set by the authority at the time of admission. Any caution money can be charged at a later date.
The ₹50,000 cap applies specifically to MBBS courses, with lower limits set for BDS, AYUSH, and BSc Nursing programs. The caution money collected must be refunded within three months after a student graduates. This marks the first instance of a strict cap being enforced, although the FRA had previously advised colleges against charging excessive fees.
The FRA’s action follows a grievance lodged this week by a complainant who highlighted the exorbitant fees charged by many private medical institutions. The complainant, who provided detailed fee structures, noted that several students from SC and ST categories were unable to afford admission due to the high fees. The grievance cell confirmed the overcharging and described the FRA’s decision as a landmark initiative aimed at protecting students from unfair financial burdens.
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