SHIMLA - In a historic verdict that will rein in exploitative private institutions, the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission (HPPERC) has delivered a big blow to the Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical University (MMMU) and Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College (MMMC), Kumarhati Solan.
The Commission, headed by Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Atul Kaushik and its member Lalit Kumar, has imposed a jaw-dropping fine of Rs one Crore on both institutions and ordered them to refund a staggering amount of Rs 103.96 Crore to the students and Rs 36 lakhs to the two complainants.
The landmark ruling comes in response to a petition filed by Dr Nividita Rao from Bilaspur and Dr Yamini, from Zirakpur, Panjab, who were overcharged by MMMC and MMMU during their academic years.
The Commission found that the institutions charged an exorbitant amount of fees over the approved limits for a period of 4 and a half years, affecting a total of eight batches of MBBS students from 2013-14 to 2020-2021.
The Commission invoked Section 11 of the HPPERC Act, 2010, and Rule 6 (b) to impose the hefty penalty of Rs one Crore on the respondents for their blatant violations.
Furthermore, they directed MMMU and MMMC to refund a sum of Rs 14.45 lakhs and Rs 22.45 lakhs to Dr Nivedita and Dr Yamini, respectively, for the excess tuition fee, hostel charges, and university fees unjustly collected from them.
HPPERC Chairman Maj Gen Satish Kaushik expressed the Commission's determination to protect the rights of students and uphold the principles of fair education.
HPPERC verdict comes out as promise that no institution will be allowed to exploit students and flout regulations.
This verdict sends a clear message to all private educational institutions that they must act responsibly and adhere to the stipulated guidelines.
The institutions have been given a strict deadline of three months to deposit the fines and refund the excess amounts into the bank account of HPERC. Failure to comply will result in severe consequences.
The High Court of Himachal Pradesh played a crucial role in ensuring justice for the aggrieved students. Remanding the case back to HPPERC with specific directions, the High Court emphasized that the Commission should include "persons of eminence" while deciding such matters.
With the order coming into immediate effect, the future of private institutions engaging in unfair practices hangs in the balance.
The ruling stands as a testament to the HPPERC's commitment to protecting students' rights and bringing errant institutions to justice.
Students who were charged excessively during their time at MMMC and MMMU have been encouraged to approach the respective colleges for the refund of the unjustly collected fees.
The matter now stands adjudicated, with all representations and applications disposed of.
In a major victory for education justice, the HPPERC's verdict will undoubtedly serve as a warning to private institutions across the state and beyond.
If we trust it, the era of unchecked exploitation is over, and students can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their rights are being protected.
