'Medical seats can't remain vacant': SC asks Centre to hold talks with stakeholders
New Delhi (PTI): Seats in medical courses cannot remain vacant, the Supreme Court on Friday said and asked the Centre to hold a meeting with the relevant stakeholders, including the states, and consider the recommendations of a committee appointed over the issue.
A bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan was hearing the matter when it observed, "Seats also cannot go vacant."
In April, 2023, the apex court flagged the issue of super speciality seats in medical courses remaining unfilled.
The Centre had then proposed to appoint a committee, consisting of all the stakeholders including representatives of states and private medical colleges, under the chairmanship of director general of health services to resolve the issue.
On Friday, the Centre's counsel said the committee comprising the stakeholders was constituted and it had given its recommendations on the issue.
It would be appropriate if the Centre held a meeting with the stakeholders and came out with a concrete proposal, the counsel said.
The bench therefore directed for the meeting to be held by the Centre.
The apex court said the needful be done within three months and posted the matter in April.
In April, 2023, the top court said the plea before it depicted a "very sorry picture" given 1,003 precious super speciality seats were going to waste as no admissions could take place for the seats.
"On the one hand, we find that there is always a shortage of super speciality doctors and on the other hand these precious seats remain unfilled," it said.
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Congress believes in fair growth, BJP in triple-down approach: Rahul Gandhi
Chennai: In an interaction with students at IIT Madras, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi contrasted the ideologies of the Congress and the BJP, emphasising his party's focus on equitable distribution of resources and inclusive growth. He described the BJP's approach as more aggressive, rooted in a "triple-down" economic model.
Gandhi explained that the Congress envisions a harmonious society with less conflict, which he believes benefits the nation. On international relations, he acknowledged some differences between the two parties but suggested similarities in certain areas.
The Congress leader strongly criticised India's education system, calling it "narrow, restrictive, and top-down." He advocated for increased government spending on education, asserting that privatisation and financial incentives fail to deliver quality education. Highlighting the achievements of institutions like IIT Madras, Gandhi argued that government-funded institutions are the backbone of quality education in India.
"Our system undervalues many professions while overvaluing a select few like engineering, medicine, and civil services," he remarked, urging reforms to promote innovation and broaden career opportunities for students.
Gandhi emphasised the importance of fostering creativity and innovation among students. He argued that real progress lies in physical production and skill development, which require substantial investment. Reflecting on his Bharat Jodo Yatra, he noted that children's aspirations often revolve around a narrow set of professions, underscoring the need for an education system that values diverse talents.
"The current system measures success too narrowly. It should empower children to explore multiple fields and pursue their interests," he said.
The Congress leader concluded by advocating for systemic changes to allow children the freedom to experiment and thrive in various fields.
Innovation comes from skill pic.twitter.com/CXDqmAIjqI
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 5, 2025
