Punjab's 'Pledge Property' Rule for MBBS Admissions Sparks Outcry: IMA Demands Immediate Rollback

A storm is brewing in Punjab's medical education landscape as the Indian Medical Association (IMA) launches a scathing attack against a controversial new directive. The state government's decision to mandate that MBBS students pledge immovable property or provide a hefty bank guarantee as a bond for admission has been branded 'draconian' and 'discriminatory,' igniting a fierce debate about the future of aspiring doctors.

At the heart of the controversy is a newly introduced rule that compels students admitted to government, government-aided, and even government quota seats in private medical colleges to sign a bond.

This isn't just a promise; it's a financial commitment backed by a property pledge or a bank guarantee of Rs 10 lakh. The catch? Graduates are expected to serve in state government hospitals for a period of seven years after completing their degrees. Should they fail to uphold this commitment, they face a staggering penalty – Rs 10 lakh for MBBS and an even higher Rs 20 lakh for postgraduate courses, in addition to losing their pledged assets or guarantee.

The IMA, representing the nation's medical fraternity, hasn't minced words.

Dr. Paramjit Singh Maan, President of IMA Chandigarh, vehemently stated that this move will serve as a major deterrent for countless students aspiring to join the noble profession, particularly those from humble backgrounds or rural areas. “Medical education is already an expensive affair,” Dr. Maan emphasized.

“Adding the burden of pledging property or arranging substantial bank guarantees on top of exorbitant fees will simply make it inaccessible for many meritorious students. This is a clear case of discrimination against those who aren't financially privileged.”

Critics argue that the rule, ostensibly designed to ensure adequate medical staff in government facilities and rural areas, is deeply flawed in its execution.

While the intent to retain doctors within the state's healthcare system might be understandable, the IMA asserts that penalizing students with such a heavy-handed approach is counterproductive. “Doctors are already under immense pressure to serve in underserved areas. Instead of imposing such punitive measures, the government should focus on creating attractive working conditions, better infrastructure, and competitive salaries to incentivize service,” an IMA spokesperson elaborated.

The immediate fallout, according to medical experts, could be a significant drop in applicants for MBBS courses in Punjab, potentially exacerbating the existing shortage of healthcare professionals.

Why would a student choose Punjab when neighboring states offer similar quality education without the burden of such a stringent bond and property pledge? Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the legal and logistical complexities of pledging property, including who would bear the financial burden in case of a default and the potential for families to lose their assets.

The IMA has issued an urgent appeal to the Punjab government to immediately roll back this 'unjust and ill-conceived' policy.

They are advocating for a more compassionate and equitable approach that supports, rather than hinders, the aspirations of future doctors. The medical community believes that true progress lies in fostering an environment where talent thrives, not where it is stifled by financial barriers and punitive clauses.

The ball is now in the government's court, with thousands of aspiring medical professionals and their families anxiously awaiting a decision that will shape their futures and the state's healthcare landscape.