MUMBAI: A nationwide online survey by the National Medical Council showed irregularities in the payment of stipends to postgraduate (PG) medical students in self-financed and private medical colleges.A total of 2,110 postgraduate students said that they were not receiving any stipend at all from their institutions. Additionally, 4,288 students stated that the stipends being paid to them were not on par with those provided in govt medical colleges in their respective states, indicating significant discrepancies. Moreover, 1,228 students who did receive stipends claimed that the amount was being “taken back” by the college management, raising serious concerns about unethical practices.The survey garnered a total of 10,178 responses, of which 7,901 responses from PG students of private medical colleges were deemed valid and included for analysis. The data, collected from 213 colleges spread across 19 states and 2 union territories, painted a concerning picture.“Despite NMC’s 2023 notification on PG stipends, private and deemed medical colleges in Maharashtra continue to violate the norms,” said Brijesh Sutaria, a parent representative. “With SC’s ruling yesterday mandating transparency, uniformity, and fairness in NEET PG counselling, it is time for concrete action from NMC and Maharashtra authorities. These are critical regulation issues, urgent and impactful.” Hemali Chhapia