Candidates from economically backward sections who were allotted dental seats through the Centralised Admission Committee (Centac) are returning their allotment orders owing to higher fee demanded by private dental colleges in Puducherry.
A candidate on condition of anonymity said she was allotted a dental seat in Mahe but returned the allotment orders.
“My parents are daily wage labourers. I was told that I have to pay exorbitant fee which my parents cannot afford. My father is returning the allotment order today,” said the candidate.
Centac Coordinator P.T. Rudra Goud confirmed that at least two candidates had returned their allotment orders and raised the issue of exorbitant fee.
“For such candidates, the Centac office will collect the DD and ensure that it is sent to the institutions.
“However, we have powers only to collect the tuition fees,” he said.
Puducherry UT All Centac Students Parents’ Association president M. Narayanassamy said the fee committee had fixed ₹79,000 as fees for the dental seats in government quota but the institutions were demanding ₹3 lakh from the candidates.
“Out of the 116 students allotted dental seats through Centac, at least eight students are planning to return their allotment orders.
“They are mainly impoverished children from the most backward classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe students. We request the government to ensure that the dental institutions follow the fee structure as stipulated by the fee committee and facilitate the candidates to avail education loan,” he said.
Date extended
The last date of joining and payment of fees for the BDS course has been extended up to 4 p.m. on August 17.
