Supreme Court Upholds Fee Structure in Private Medical Colleges for EWS Candidates
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition challenging the ₹8 lakh income cap for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) candidates, who are unable to afford the high tuition fees charged by private medical colleges, which may reach up to ₹25 lakh annually. This decision was delivered on Wednesday by a bench consisting of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The bench upheld a previous ruling by the Rajasthan High Court that validated the fee structure established by the State Fee Regulatory Committee in Rajasthan.
The petitioner, Harshvardhan Singh, had contested the compatibility of the EWS income threshold with the exorbitant fees of private medical institutions, arguing that it effectively nullifies the EWS quota’s intention. However, the Court reiterated that private educational institutions could not be compelled to charge fees similar to government institutions, which benefit from state subsidies.
Justice Nagarathna explained, “Private educational institutions are self-financing entities. Unlike government colleges, they do not receive grants from the State. There is a fundamental difference in their operational costs.” The judge further referred to the established precedent in TMA Pai Foundation v. State of Karnataka, clarifying that while capitation fees are prohibited, general tuition fees are permissible.
The Supreme Court also emphasized the crucial role of private institutions in the medical education sector, cautioning against diminishing their contributions. “The assistance of private medical colleges to the State in the field of medical education is indispensable. We need doctors,” Justice Nagarathna remarked.
Addressing the affordability issue, Justice Nagarathna advised eligible candidates to seek scholarships or financial aid, suggesting these avenues as viable solutions for overcoming financial barriers. The Supreme Court, aligning with the Rajasthan High Court’s stance, concluded that the EWS reservation applies solely at the admission stage and does not guarantee reduced fees in private colleges.
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In its decision, the Rajasthan High Court had highlighted that the fee structure was in compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Islamic Academy of Education v. State of Karnataka. The High Court stated that the absence of any statutory requirement for fee concessions means that high tuition fees alone do not constitute a violation of the EWS reservation policy, despite their potential impact on access.
Ultimately, the Supreme Court declined to overturn the High Court’s decision, stating, “We don’t find reason to intervene with the High Court order. Dismissed. Question of law, if any, is kept open.” This ruling underscores the complex interplay between policy intentions and practical realities in the realm of education for economically disadvantaged sections.
