Medical students unearth fake EWS certificate scam

29 May,2020 07:11 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Pallavi Smart

Write to CET Cell for a formal inquiry, allege rich people are taking advantage of Economically Weaker Section quota for PG admissions

This picture has been used for representation purpose


IN the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, a group of Post Graduate medical students and their parents in Maharashtra claimed to have unearthed a scam involving Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota admissions. They alleged that some rich people have acquired EWS certificates, snatching away the opportunity from those really in need.

Close to 200 students and parents got together in March to conduct an inquiry after the PG Medical admissions seat metrics were declared. They identified a few candidates who took admission under EWS category and started checking their personal background and even spoke to them. By May end, the group shortlisted nearly 12 candidates who did not belong to the EWS category but took advantage of the quota.

They have now submitted the list to Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell. "It has come to notice that many EWS students are actually affluent and are applying under EWS quota with fraudulently obtained certificates. It has been found that a lot of students, including some top rankers, applying under EWS quota are actually rich but are getting away with fake certificates due to the rampant corruption in the ill-conceived EWS certification system," they said in a statement.

"We demand an impartial panel consisting of Unreserved Class to be a part of this scrutiny process to bust this fake certificate racket so that the benefits reach out to genuine poor and needy for whom it is intended," it added.

A student from the group told mid-day, "There are candidates whose parents are doctors and run hospitals, who have social media posts of leisure foreign trips. A few we spoke to have confirmed that they acquired the certificates."

Students and parents from open category who have waging legal war against massive percentage of reservation in admissions took this step in the hope that the government will now intervene.

One of the parents, Sudha Shenoy, said, "We found that these students were taking advantage of the quota, while people really in need struggled. If the concerned authority conducts an investigation, it might find many such candidates." CET Cell Commissioner Sandeep Kadam told mid-day, "We are taking a serious look into it."

Catch up on all the latest Mumbai news, crime news, current affairs, and a complete guide from food to things to do and events across Mumbai. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates.

Mid-Day is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@middayinfomedialtd) and stay updated with the latest news

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Coronavirus mumbai news
Related Stories