MCI to send teams to Chennai to probe capitation fee issue

The Medical Council of India has sent teams to Chennai to probe allegations of huge capitation fees demanded by Tamil Nadu-based medical colleges, including one said to be run by a Union minister.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the council yesterday.

"We have decided to send teams to Chennai to probe the allegations," MCI Acting President Ketan Desai said.

Asked about his presence in the Board of one of the colleges accused of demanding capitation fee, Desai said it "will not come in direct conflict" as he is a nominee of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

A sting operation has purportedly showed officials of Shree Balaji Medical College and Sri Ramachandra University demanding capitation fees in the range of Rs 12-20 lakh to give admission to students.

Bharat University, of which Balaji Medical College is a constituent unit, is said to be run by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting S Jagathrakshakan. However, the charge has been denied by Jagathrakshakan.

After the allegations came to light, the Human Resources Development Ministry has sent notices to both the institutes asking them to explain the matter.         The UGC has also appointed a committee to probe into the allegations.