Bengaluru, Oct 18 (NationPress) Karnataka has received its Diwali joy with the sanctioning of 422 additional postgraduate (PG) medical seats in government medical colleges for the academic year 2025–26.

A long-anticipated demand has finally been fulfilled, remarked Sharanprakash R. Patil, the Minister for Medical Education, Skill Development, and Livelihood.

At a press conference at Vikas Soudha on Saturday, the minister detailed this remarkable development and reiterated the government’s aim to provide high-quality higher education.

Patil noted that the increase of 422 seats spans pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical disciplines. PG seats have been allocated in over 20 departments, including Paediatrics, Anesthesiology, Forensic Medicine, and Microbiology.

“As seen in prior years, there was a significant demand for PG courses this year as well. We had requested approval for 572 seats, of which 422 have been granted. Last year, 1,694 PG seats were available; with this year's addition, the total rises to 2,116 seats. This is indeed a Diwali gift for students,” expressed Dr. Patil joyfully.

He also pointed out that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has already sanctioned an increase of 450 undergraduate medical seats in the state. For the first time, 15 percent of seats in government medical colleges will be reserved for Non-Resident Indians (NRI quota).

The cabinet's decision requiring organizations to obtain permission from local authorities before conducting activities in government premises is a reasonable step, stated Dr. Sharanprakash R. Patil.

In response to political developments, the minister clarified that the Congress government has not imposed this restriction; it was first instituted during the term of former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar.

“We are simply enforcing what the BJP government had implemented. With nothing constructive to offer, BJP leaders are attempting to confuse the public,” he added.

Defending Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR) minister Priyank Kharge, Minister Patil stated that Priyank never suggested banning the RSS.

“His remarks have been entirely misinterpreted. He only asserted that any organization must seek permission to conduct activities in government-controlled spaces, including schools and college campuses. This is entirely appropriate,” he clarified.

He further stated, “Misleading the public has become a routine strategy for the BJP. However, the public is not easily deceived.” When asked about the RSS route march in Chittapur, Kalaburagi, Dr. Patil mentioned he did not possess detailed information on the issue.

Reacting to MLA Basanagouda Yatnal’s comment regarding Muslims offering namaz in public areas, Patil remarked, “Yatnal speaks solely for his constituency — and everyone understands the dynamics of that region. People are also aware of Yatnal's past behavior and how he acts now. His statements are merely for political gain. No one takes him seriously.”