Stop 2nd phase of MBBS counselling: Atchannaidu

Vijayawada: Transport and BC Welfare Minister K Atchannaidu on Saturday asked the authorities of Dr NTR Health University to stop the second phase of counselling to be held in third or fourth week of July for admission into MBBS course in the state. 

He gave this instructions in view of hue and cry raised by BC students, Opposition parties, parents and various organisations over the loss suffered by the SC/ST and BC students in the admissions. BC,ST and ST students are losing over 450 seats due to stay orders issued on implementation of GO 550. As per the GO, any SC/ST and BC student, who gets seat in open category and later opts for sliding, that seat should be filled with the same community student. But, the varsity authorities are allotting the seats to OC candidates instead of SC, ST and BC candidates. Earlier, the High Court issued a stay order on implementation of GO 550.

In August 2017, an interim stay order was granted by the High Court directing the state government to file an affidavit by September 2017 so that the seats can be allotted to SC/ST and BC students instead of OC candidates. But, till now the government did not file an affidavit to vacate the stay resulting in loss of seats by SC/ST and BC students, alleged Dr Gangadhar, a senior Congress leader. He demanded that the government cancel the first phase of counselling which ended recently and reconduct the counselling. 

Speaking on the issue, Vice Chancellor C V Rao reportedly told the minister that they would follow the instructions of government and the High Court orders after filing the affidavit in this regard. Registrar Prof K Appalanaidu said the authorities have taken the decision to stop the second phase of counselling. However, he said they have not taken any decision on the recently concluded first phase of counselling. The students who were allotted seats in the first phase are going to join in colleges on or before July 12. Once they join, it will be tough to cancel their seats as they move court to protecting their seats allotment. This may lead to further legal battle in future.