Studying Medicine May Become More Expensive: DK Shivakumar Defends Proposed Fee Hike In Karnataka Medical Colleges

Karnataka Medical Education Minister D K Shivakumar defended proposals for a massive fee hike and introduction of non-resident Indian (NRI) quota in the in the state’s medical colleges, The Hindu has reported. He said that the move was required to run colleges in a viable manner while speaking at the Karnataka Legislative Council.

Shivakumar added that his department has sought additional grants from the Finance Department for implementing the National Pension Scheme for college employees recruited after 2006. He informed the members that the government has not extended the provident fund facility to all college employees due to lack of funds.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shivananda S Patil asked members of the house to make the proposals a reality by supporting the bill brought forward for the purpose.

Answering a question on allegations of a Rs 18 crore scam in Bidar Institute of Medical Sciences (BRIMS), DK Shivakumar said that prima facie evidence suggested irregularities. He said that people involved in the scam would not be shielded by the government. Seven out of eight employees accused of the scam have obtained stay orders and bail from the courts. Anti-Corruption Bureau of Karnataka is investigating the case.