Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces

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Supreme Court Advocates for Childcare and Feeding Rooms in Public Spaces The Supreme Court of India has suggested that the Union Government develop a comprehensive policy addressing the construction of feeding rooms and childcare facilities  in public places. This move aims to ensure that nursing mothers and their children can access basic amenities in a dignified and private manner, reinforcing their fundamental rights under the Indian Constitution. SC Encourages Policy Formulation A bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna  and Justice N Kotiswar Singh  highlighted the absence of a structured framework to address this pressing issue. The court advised the Centre to propose a policy that could then be implemented across the states, scheduling the next hearing for December 10, 2024.   The apex court emphasized that before issuing formal directions, it was crucial to understand the Centre’s perspective on implementing the petitioner’s demand for childcare and feedi...

Supreme Court Calls NRI Quota a "Fraud": Time to End the Misuse in Medical College Admissions

Supreme Court Calls NRI Quota a "Fraud": Time to End the Misuse in Medical College Admissions



In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has made it clear that the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota in medical college admissions has been severely misused and must be stopped. The Court dismissed three petitions that challenged the Punjab and Haryana High Court's ruling, which had quashed a Punjab government notification aimed at amending the conditions for NRI quota admissions in medical colleges. The apex court called the entire system a "fraud" that is damaging India’s education system and must come to an end.


The Problem: The Misuse of NRI Quota


The original intention behind the NRI quota was to offer Non-Resident Indians (Indian citizens living abroad) and their children a way to secure education opportunities in India. The idea was to keep them connected to the country by providing them with some level of preference, particularly in sectors like medical education, where demand is high and seats are limited. 


However, over time, this system has been grossly misused. Instead of benefiting NRIs, this quota has been manipulated by relatives of NRIs, wealthy individuals, and others with no genuine NRI connection—all in pursuit of securing medical seats. As a result, the very purpose of the NRI quota has been diluted, turning into what the Supreme Court bluntly termed a "business"


The Punjab government’s August 2023 notification had attempted to widen the definition of NRI candidates to include relatives of NRIs, which only further opened the door for manipulation. The Punjab and Haryana High Court rightly quashed this notification, and now the Supreme Court has slammed the door shut on this "fraudulent" practice.


The Consequences: How It Affects India’s Education System


This misuse of the NRI quota has far-reaching consequences:

1. Undermines Meritocracy: Genuine students who have worked hard to qualify for medical school are losing out on seats to candidates who gain admission simply because they have NRI connections.

2. Widening of Inequality: Medical seats are already limited and highly competitive. This misuse further narrows opportunities for deserving students, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.

3. Commercialization of Education: The NRI quota has effectively turned into a "business", where money and influence speak louder than merit. This erodes the credibility of India’s education system.

4. Impact on Healthcare: By allowing candidates with lesser merit to enter medical colleges, we are compromising on the quality of future healthcare professionals. This could have serious long-term effects on public health.


The Solution: Restoring Integrity to the Admission Process


It’s time for a reform of the NRI quota system to restore fairness and integrity. The Supreme Court's intervention is a major step in the right direction. Here’s how we can ensure the system works for those it was intended to help:

- Strict Definition of NRI Candidates: The definition of who qualifies as an NRI needs to be tightened. Only genuine NRIs—not their extended family members—should be eligible for this quota.

- Merit-Based Criteria: Even within the NRI quota, merit should be a primary consideration. This ensures that students entering medical colleges are capable and deserving.

- Transparent Process: The entire admission process under the NRI quota should be transparent and free from manipulation. Regular checks and audits can help in maintaining the system’s integrity.


Conclusion: Putting an End to the "NRI Business"


The Supreme Court’s ruling is a welcome move that will hopefully put an end to the misuse of the NRI quota in medical college admissions. By stopping this "business", we can ensure that medical seats go to those who truly deserve them. This is not just about restoring fairness to the education system—it’s about ensuring that India’s future healthcare professionals are the best and brightest, chosen on merit, not privilege.


This ruling marks a pivotal moment for India’s education sector. It’s time to reform, rebuild, and put an end to the fraud once and for all.


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