PUNE, July 24: Parents heaved an enormous sigh of relief applauding the Supreme Court decision to grant a stay on the entrance examination for admission to medical colleges in the State till next year. ``The decision may have come a trifle late, but it is certainly a good one,'' was the instant reaction of parents.The Supreme Court admitted the Maharashtra Government's revision petition and granted a stay till 1999. Admissions to the medical course for the current academic year will be in accordance with the previous rules.
The competent authority of the State directorate of medical education and research at Mumbai had issued instructions on distribution of application forms and eligibility list of candidates had been displayed.
Students had started preparing for the examination. The date had been postponed twice in July. An elated parent, Dr. Shahaji Chavan, whose son Hrishikesh has secured 94 per cent, quipped: ``The Supreme Court's decision would prevail. Now no point in wasting time and my son studying all over again.''
Chavan is skeptical about the role that coaching classes played during this month. Several parents say the coaching classes unduly exploited the situation by charging hefty amounts to medical seat aspirant.
Dr. Rohini Naik is glad that the children's efforts have not gone to naught. ``Children have toiled hard for a year and secured good marks at the higher secondary certificate examination. Then how can one suddenly impose an entrance test without intimating them months in advance,'' asked Naik whose son secured 94.66 per cent.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.