While the ministers are indulging in tall talk about solving the self-finance muddle, an agency working out of a cubicle in front of the government Secretariat offers MBBS seats for Rs 15 lakh each, claiming to represent some of the private colleges in Kerala.
The Malabar Educational and Charitable Trust situated in a commercial complex opposite the Secretariat claims it can ‘arrange’ a few seats in the Kozhikode-based Malabar Medical College.
A trust official, who identified himself as Mr. Jacob Isaac told Deccan Chronicle he had two seats left because customers who had blocked the seats had not turned up.
Mr Isaac told this correspondent, who pretended as the cousin of a prospective candidate, that there was no issue even if the candidate had not appeared for the entrance tests conducted either by the government or the Kerala Private Medical College Management Association.
But the college would conduct its own test, which would be namesake. Besides the Rs 15 lakh donation, only government quota fee would be charged, he said. A pamphlet of the trust was also given to the DC correspondent.
However, when contacted, the authorities at the Malabar Medical College said they had not authorised any agency to canvass seats. They said they had no idea about the Malabar Trust.
“Though some persons had reserved seats, it would be difficult to get an admission if the candidate had not appeared at the entrance examination,” said the MCC manager, Mr Saneesh.
‘Entrance... just an adjustment’
Excerpts of the conversation between the DC correspondent and Jacob Isaac at the The Malabar Educational and Charitable Trust office in Statue on Saturday noon.
DC: “Do you offer admission to MBBS course in Russia ?”
Isaac: “Yes, not only Russia but even in colleges in Kerala…”
DC: “It’s for my cousin. She did not find a place in the state merit list and also did not attend the entrance test by self-financing colleges”
Isaac: “That’s not an issue. We can arrange admission to Malabar Medical College. Two seats are lying vacant there…”
DC: “How is it possible when all admissions need to be made only through any of the entrance exams?”
Isaac: “There will be an entrance at the college itself…it’s an adjustment…”
DC: “So what are the requirements?”
Isaac: “They (college management) are demanding Rs 15 lakh for one seat. Two candidates who had earlier reserved the seats are now not taking it. Hence the amount is quite nominal. Only government fee will be charged from the students.”
DC: “How’s the mode of payment? Will there be an instalment option?”
Isaac: “Those things we can discuss with the college management.”
DC: “Will there be any problem in future if we take admission like this?”
Isaac: “Haven’t you heard about the MMC. It’s one of the best colleges. There won’t be any problem at all,”
DC: “Ok, I will discuss the matter with my cousin’s parents and get back to you.”
Isaac insisted on seeing the candidate on Monday for further discussions.