Special Correspondent
Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is set to overhaul the admission process under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota to curb irregularities and arbitrary practices that have allegedly allowed affluent students to secure seats under the guise of NRI status. The move, spearheaded by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, aims to introduce transparency and fairness in a system long criticized for favoring the wealthy.
Currently, 15% of seats in engineering, MBA, and other professional courses are reserved under the NRI quota. However, the process has been mired in controversy, with allegations of financial malpractice and a lack of oversight. A Mumbai-based committee has historically managed these admissions, but shockingly, the Higher and Technical Education Department lacks clarity on the committee’s legal authority, including documentation on its formation or governing policies.
Under the proposed reforms, the Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell will now oversee NRI quota admissions through a dedicated committee chaired by the CET commissioner. The panel will include subject experts to ensure merit-based decisions. Previously, NRI admissions were granted solely on Class 12 marks without entrance exams, while domestic students had to clear competitive tests like CET—a disparity the government seeks to eliminate.
Critics have long highlighted loopholes, such as students securing seats via “sponsorship affidavits” without proper verification. The opaque process, lacking state oversight, has fueled accusations of seats being “sold” to high-paying candidates. The reforms aim to replace the existing ad-hoc approach with a centralized, merit-driven system.
-The CET Cell will validate applications and forward merit lists to colleges. Admissions will align with national standards, potentially requiring entrance exams for NRI/PIO (Person of Indian Origin) candidates. Scrutiny of sponsorship claims to prevent misuse.
Minister Patil’s intervention follows mounting pressure to end the unfair advantage enjoyed by NRI quota applicants. The overhaul is expected to standardize admissions, reduce corruption, and ensure equal opportunities for all students.
