Students' Group Urges Maharashtra CM to Protect Quotas in Private Medical Universities

The Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar National Students’ Federation in Mumbai has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urging the state government to protect reservation, scholarship, and fee reimbursement benefits for SC, ST, and OBC students.

The representation was submitted a day after the Maharashtra state cabinet approved the conversion of two private medical colleges into health sciences universities.

In the letter sent to the Chief Minister, the students' body stated that the state government already extends freeship schemes to students in deemed universities and asserted that students admitted to private universities should not be treated differently.

Dr Siddhant Bharne, president of the organisation, said the state government has established a committee to examine the legal framework for private universities. The committee is expected to address several issues, including policies on reservations.

Dr Bharne stated that until the committee finalises and submits its report and a formal policy is notified, an immediate interim clarification must be issued to protect students' interests.

The organisation stressed that the matter requires urgent attention as NEET-UG admissions are currently underway. According to the federation, candidates need complete clarity on fee structures, actual reservation provisions, scholarships, and freeships before locking in their college options.

Seeking the Chief Minister's intervention, the letter noted that the decision concerns social justice, equal opportunity, and the prospects of economically and socially disadvantaged students aspiring to become doctors.