The state government has exempted an MBBS student from paying the mandatory penalty after the ward failed to clear the first year examination and filed a request to discontinue the course. The Health and Family Welfare department granted the exemption for a 2021 batch MBBS student of Government Medical College (GMC), Manjeri. 

As per the prospectus for admission to professional degree courses, if any candidate admitted to courses in Government/self-financing medical & dental Colleges for MBBS/BDS courses discontinues after the third allotment in the same academic year, to join other courses/colleges or for other purposes, he/she is liable to pay liquidated damages of ₹10 lakh for MBBS course and ₹5 lakh for BDS course. 

The amount is fixed irrespective of annual family income/ nativity/ reservation status and is also liable to be debarred from appearing for the Entrance Examinations and allotments conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examinations for a period not exceeding two years. In case of failure to remit the penalty, the amount will be recovered under the Revenue Recovery Act.

The candidates also execute a bond in the prescribed format regarding the payment of liquidated damages. The student of GMC, Manjeri, failed to clear the first year examination even after the four attempts allowed as per the MBBS course regulations. 

The Principal, GMC, Manjeri, filed an application to the Director of Medical Education to discharge the student from the course and hand over the transfer certificate and other documents by relaxing payment of liquidated damages. The DME sent a letter in August following the request of the College Principal.

The Government has now issued an order exempting the student from the payment of a penalty on compassionate grounds, citing that the decision is being made to ensure that the future studies are not affected. 

Dr Viswanathan, DME, Kerala, told Onmanorama that such requests are granted only based on genuine reasons. He said that he would verify the present case where the exemption was given.