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The Supreme Court of India delivered a scathing judgment on Tuesday, dismissing a series of petitions challenging the Punjab government's decision to expand the definition of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) eligible for a special quota in medical colleges. The court termed the move a 'complete fraud' and a 'money-spinning tactic,' emphasizing the detrimental impact such practices have on the education system. This decision reflects the court's unwavering commitment to upholding fairness and merit-based access to education, particularly in the highly competitive field of medicine.
The controversy stemmed from a notification issued by the Punjab government on August 20, which significantly broadened the NRI quota. The original quota reserved 15% of seats in medical colleges for NRIs, but the new notification extended eligibility to include relatives of NRIs such as uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cousins. This expansion sparked immediate backlash, with many questioning the rationale and fairness of such a move. The Punjab and Haryana High Court, recognizing the potential for abuse and inequity, subsequently quashed the notification on September 11, deeming the broadened definition 'arguably unjustified'.
However, the Punjab government sought to overturn this decision by filing petitions in the Supreme Court. Three petitions were filed, challenging the High Court's judgment. The Supreme Court, hearing the petitions on Tuesday, expressed strong disapproval of the Punjab government's actions, labeling the expanded NRI quota a 'fraud' and a 'money-spinning tactic'. The bench, comprised of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, asserted that the NRI quota system, particularly in its expanded form, undermines the integrity of the education system and serves to prioritize financial gain over meritocratic selection.
The court's stance resonates with concerns voiced by various stakeholders, including education experts and students, who have consistently raised alarm over the increasing use of NRI quotas as a means to generate revenue for educational institutions. Critics argue that these quotas disproportionately benefit individuals from affluent backgrounds and exacerbate existing inequalities in access to higher education. Moreover, the court's emphasis on the 'money-spinning tactic' underscores the potential for corruption and manipulation within the system, highlighting the urgent need for robust oversight and accountability mechanisms.
The Supreme Court's firm rejection of the Punjab government's NRI quota expansion sends a clear message: fairness and merit must remain paramount in the pursuit of higher education. The court's decision not only safeguards the integrity of the education system but also underscores the crucial role of judicial oversight in ensuring equitable access to opportunities for all.
Source: ‘Complete fraud,’ says SC on widening of NRI quota in Punjab