Is the Dual Nativity Controversy Disrupting Medical Admissions in Puducherry?
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Synopsis
The dual nativity issue resurfaces in Puducherry's medical admissions, raising questions about integrity and fairness. Allegations of irregularities in merit lists prompt the Pondicherry State Students and Parents Welfare Association to call for an investigation. Will authorities take the necessary steps to safeguard local candidates' rights?
Key Takeaways
- Dual nativity claims can lead to unfair advantages in admissions.
- The Pondicherry State Students and Parents Welfare Association is advocating for immediate investigations.
- Authorities are urged to verify applicants' NEET scores rigorously.
- Previous instances of disqualification highlight the need for stricter enforcement.
- Failure to address these issues could harm local candidates' prospects.
Puducherry, Aug 2 (NationPress) The ongoing controversy surrounding dual nativity has once again disrupted the medical admissions in Puducherry, with reports of discrepancies emerging in the draft merit list published by the Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC) for MBBS and other NEET-based courses allocated under the government quota.
The Pondicherry State Students and Parents Welfare Association has raised concerns about potential exploitation of nativity claims, with its president V. Balasubramanian disclosing that at least two students appeared on both Puducherry’s CENTAC merit list and the Tamil Nadu Health Department list.
This duplication indicates a possible fraud regarding the declaration of nativity, which is a vital component for admissions within the Union Territory’s government quota.
In an official petition submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and senior officials of the UT administration, the association has called for an immediate investigation and intervention.
It has urged officials to ensure that candidates from other states do not seize seats designated solely for Puducherry residents.
The association has also requested a comprehensive verification of applicants’ NEET scores, rank numbers, and personal information against merit lists from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Balasubramanian expressed concern that numerous similar instances might have gone unnoticed due to inadequate scrutiny.
Despite explicit provisions in Puducherry’s admission guidelines — which disqualify any student declaring nativity in more than one state during the same academic year — this issue persists annually.
The regulations also require a parental declaration confirming the authenticity of the nativity claim, yet activists argue that enforcement is lacking.
Last year, eight students faced disqualification due to dual nativity claims.
However, the association has criticized CENTAC and the Puducherry Health Department for failing to effectively implement the rules.
Balasubramanian accused these departments of lacking proactive measures to identify and prevent fraudulent claims.
Highlighting recent actions by Tamil Nadu authorities, who disqualified over 23 students for submitting fraudulent documents under the NRI and other quota categories, the association has urged the Puducherry government to adopt similar stringent punitive actions.
It has also called for accountability against students, parents, and intermediaries involved in obtaining false nativity certificates.
As the admissions process progresses, the association warns that neglecting to address this matter swiftly could deprive deserving local candidates of their rightful chance to pursue medical education.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize the importance of maintaining integrity in the admissions process. The recurring issues of dual nativity not only undermine the fairness of educational opportunities but also erode public trust in the system. It’s imperative for authorities to implement stringent measures to prevent such discrepancies, ensuring that deserving candidates receive their rightful opportunities.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dual nativity in the context of medical admissions?
Dual nativity refers to the practice where a student claims residency in more than one state, allowing them to apply for admission in multiple jurisdictions, which can lead to unfair advantages in securing seats.
How does dual nativity affect local candidates in Puducherry?
It can deprive local candidates of their rightful opportunities by allowing students from other states to claim seats that are intended specifically for Puducherry residents.
What actions have been suggested to combat fraudulent nativity claims?
The Pondicherry State Students and Parents Welfare Association has called for thorough investigations, cross-verification of merit lists, and stricter enforcement of existing admission guidelines.
What consequences have been faced by students previously caught in dual nativity claims?
Last year, eight students were disqualified for claiming dual nativity, illustrating the ongoing issues within the admissions process.
How can authorities improve the admissions process in Puducherry?
By enforcing stricter verification processes, implementing proactive measures to detect fraudulent claims, and ensuring transparency in the admissions system.
