No med seat quota for children of govt staff in Goa, says high court
The HC of Bombay at Goa on Thursday quashed and set aside the benefit of 3% reservation to children of central and state govt employees seeking admission to any medicine course at state-run institutes through National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET).
With this order, the 3% reservation in degree courses of MBBS, BBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS, AHS and BSc (nursing) in colleges in Goa, granted to children of persons residing in Goa who don't meet the residential requirement, stands cancelled.
A division bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Nivedita Mehta passed the order following a petition by a parent who had sought quashing the clause in the prospectus of the director of technical education which granted the reservation.
The bench said that the reservation doesn't withstand the scrutiny of Article 14 of the Constitution and that when a state attempts to create a reservation in favour of any class, it would be necessary to introduce it by law.
'We must express that merit, and merit alone, must be allowed to explore to the fullest extent, for every seat is to be filled in on merits, which receive relaxation by reservation contemplated by the Constitution or by a statute or any law made by the state legislature,' the HC said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better
Grammarly
Install Now
Undo
Senior advocate Subodh Kantak, representing the petitioner, told the court that govt created a special category by reserving 3% (5 of 180) seats, and that this dilutes the merit. He said that govt has no power to provide such a reservation.
Advocate general Devidas Pangam said state is empowered to take a policy decision for the benefit of a particular class to benefit children of state or central govt and central govt public sector undertakings, including defence and paramilitary personnel, who, on account of their service exigencies like transfer, deputation, and retirement, made it impossible for their wards to pass the qualifying examination from schools from Goa and couldn't reside in Goa for a minimum of ten years.
'By applying the test of merit, when we peruse Clause 5.7 which has created a special category and reserved 3% seats — 5 seats — in GMC, Bambolim, having an intake capacity of 180 seats, we must appreciate the argument that it dilutes the merit. Also, there is no power with state to provide such a reservation and we agree with the petitioner on both counts,' the HC said.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Happy Independence Day wishes
,
messages
, and
quotes
!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
RSS' contribution to nation marks 'proud & golden chapter': PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday used the pulpit of Red Fort to lavish praise on RSS, saying that the Sangh's contribution to the nation marks a "proud and golden chapter". Speaking about the contributions of individuals and organisations to nation-building in his Independence Day address, he said: "Today, with great pride, I wish to mention one such institution. One hundred years ago, RSS was founded. These 100 years of service to the nation constitute a proud and golden chapter. With the resolve of nation-building through character-building, with the aim of serving Maa Bharati, the swayamsevaks have, for a century, dedicated their lives to the welfare of the motherland. " The remarks of the PM, himself a swayamsevak, eulogising the Sangh when it is seen as enjoying unprecedented influence, can only add zing to its ongoing centenary celebrations. PM also praised Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of Bhartiya Jan Sangh, as BJP was known in its original incarnation, who died in jail after being imprisoned for campaigning against Special Status for J&K. "The removal of the wall of Article 370 and the realisation of the mantra of 'One Nation, One Constitution' have been our true tribute to him," said Modi. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Mixed Pink Salt With This - Now She Can't Stop Losing Weight Break The Weight Learn More Undo Although Sangh was invited to be a part of the Republic Day parade in 1963, this was, perhaps, the first instance of praise for the organisation which has defied bans, controversies and intense opposition from influential political and academic quarters to become one of the country's major influences and a challenge to the Nehruvian/ "liberal" version of nationalism and secularism. Interestingly, the high praise comes amid persisting speculation about a strain in Sangh's equations with BJP. Modi went the full distance in expressing his veneration for the organisation. "Today, from the ramparts of Red Fort, I salute all the swayamsevaks who have contributed to this century-long journey of national service, and the nation takes pride in the grand and dedicated journey of RSS, which will continue to inspire us," he said.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Illegal immigration orchestrated drive to change demography, says PM, announces counter-move
NEW DELHI: Airing concerns over infiltration and illegal immigration and their impact on national security and demographic character of border areas, PM Narendra Modi Friday announced the setting up of a 'high-powered demographic mission' to address these challenges. Elaborating on the decades-old problem of illegal immigration from across the international border, Modi said it is part of an orchestrated campaign to alter the nation's demography. "Illegal immigrants are snatching the livelihoods of young citizens. They are targeting our mothers and sisters and capturing lands of innocent tribals. This will not be tolerated," he said. "When there is a demographic change in border areas, it threatens national security. It compromises national integrity, sovereignty and progress and creates social tension. No country hands over its territory to illegal immigrants. It is our duty towards our forefathers, whose sacrifices brought us Independence, not to tolerate such acts," Modi said. He went on to announce the mission to address illegal immigration in a planned manner and within a time frame. Modi, during his Independence Day speech, also hailed the successful counter-operations against Left-wing extremists (LWE), saying tribal youths are now no longer misguided into picking up the gun. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like He is our only child, we cannot see him suffer. Help us! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Stating that the number of districts under LWE influence is down to 20 from 125, the PM described the reclaiming of large tracts of tribal land from Maoists and saving of tribal youths from losing their lives to violent extremism, as a fitting tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary. The first-ever govt initiative to address illegal immigration, which has over the decades seen alleged Bangladeshi settlers alter the demography of border areas in Assam, West Bengal and even Bihar and Jharkhand, with an exponential rise in Muslims as share of the population, comes even as opposition parties are up in arms against the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) of Bihar's electoral rolls, which requires electors registered after 2003 to submit proof of citizenship. The exercise has seen the exclusion of 65 lakh electors from the draft roll, including around 1.2 lakh who could not be traced. EC suspects these may be illegal immigrants. Dealing with illegal immigrants is a complex matter as the powers to detect and deport foreigners are delegated to states, and political and votebank considerations often keep those governed by opposition parties from taking any action. The demography mission may suggest ways to get around these challenges. On the Naxal front, Modi said there was a time when Bastar was identified with Naxalism, guns and bombs. "Today the same Bastar is seeing its youth participate with enthusiasm in the Bastar Olympics. The areas once known as 'Red Corridor' are now becoming 'green corridors' of development. Areas once marked by 'Red' terror on India's map now have the tricolour of the Constitution, law and development flying high," he said.
Time of India
30 minutes ago
- Time of India
Trump Putin Alaska Summit: Why Russian Empire sold Alaska to United States?
Trump Putin Alaska Summit has become a major topic across global media and social platforms. The meeting between the two leaders has not only highlighted present-day diplomacy but also revived questions about the history of Alaska's ownership. Let's find out why the Russian Empire sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. Trump Putin Alaska Summit: US and Russian Leaders Meet in Alaska Under Tight Security Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met in Alaska for a high-profile summit. They shook hands, exchanged greetings, and shared a limousine ride before holding a meeting with top aides from both nations. The event took place under heavy security, with American F-22 fighter jets and B-2 bombers in the vicinity. Both leaders arrived separately, walking along a red carpet that joined at the center. Their handshake on the tarmac marked the formal beginning of the summit. During the greeting, Trump was seen patting Putin's hand, and both appeared engaged in conversation. The backdrop displayed the words 'Pursuing Peace,' reflecting the summit's diplomatic tone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I Thought I'd Live With Ear Ringing Forever – Until I Found This Trick Derila Ergo Undo Trump Putin Alaska Summit: Key Figures in Attendance The United States delegation included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Representing Russia were Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Aide Yuri Ushakov, and Special Envoy Kirill Dmitriev. Also Read: Alien mothership 3I/ATLAS could reach Earth in just 113 days, says Harvard professor. Will it bring salvation or destruction? Live Events How Russia Came to Own Alaska? Russia's presence in Alaska began in the mid-18th century, driven by fur traders and explorers seeking valuable sea otter pelts. By the 1780s, Empress Catherine the Great authorised the formation of the Russian-American Company, granting it monopoly control over trade and governance in the territory. Why Russian Empire sold Alaska to United States? In the mid-19th century, following its defeat in the Crimean War, Russia decided to sell Alaska. Maintaining and defending the territory was costly, and concerns grew over Britain's expanding naval power in the Pacific. Alaska's economic value for Russia had declined, making its upkeep more of a liability than an asset. Eduard de Stoeckl, Russia's envoy to Washington and chief negotiator of the sale, wrote in July 1867 that the choice was between selling Alaska or losing it without compensation. Also Read: Netflix Wednesday Season 3: Here's major filming update for upcoming season Alaska Purchase Agreement The United States bought Alaska for $7.2 million in 1867. For Russia, the sale provided much-needed funds and reduced the risk of losing the land to Britain. For the United States, it blocked European expansion and strengthened its position in the Pacific. However, not everyone approved. In Russia, some saw it as a blow to national prestige. In the United States, critics called it a waste of money on what was described as a frozen wasteland. Why Buying Alaska Proved Beneficial for US? Public opinion shifted in later decades. Gold discoveries in the late 19th century and oilfields in the 20th century turned Alaska into one of the most resource-rich regions under US control. The sale also temporarily improved US-Russia relations, with diplomatic visits and exchanges in the years following the purchase. FAQs Why did the Russian Empire sell Alaska to the United States? The Russian Empire sold Alaska in 1867 due to high maintenance costs, strategic concerns over Britain, and declining economic value of the territory. How much did the United States pay for Alaska? The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, an amount criticised at the time but later seen as a strategic investment.
