Bhubaneswar: Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers on Wednesday initiated scrutiny of four private medical colleges in Odisha regarding suspected irregularities in NRI (non-resident Indian) quota admissions.
“Our verification is underway to know whether documents were forged to create false NRI credentials for admission of local Indian students in IMS & SUM and KIMS in Bhubaneswar besides Hi-Tech medical colleges in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. We are also getting the NRI certificates verified from different embassies and consulates,” an ED source said.
The established protocol allocates 15% of total undergraduate medical seats in each institution for NRIs, persons of Indian origin (PIOs), and overseas citizens of India (OCIs).
“We launched investigations following reports that several private medical institutions in various states, including Odisha, allegedly engaged in unlawful admission practices by accepting substantial cash payments. We conducted searches in some states, including Odisha, to investigate these claims,” the source said.
ED officers indicated that their investigation aimed to establish connections between suspected intermediaries and medical colleges. The agency is also examining suspicious bank transactions. Investigators are working to identify influential family connections of students who allegedly secured NRI quota seats despite not meeting the eligibility criteria.
Hi-Tech management said they cooperated with the ED in its investigation. Hi-Tech denied any wrongdoing in both their medical colleges at Bhubaneswar and Rourkela. Their written statement read, “We have been complying with all prescribed rules and regulations of the govt regarding NRI quota admission procedures and fee structure.”
Authorities of KIMS Medical College and Hospital, which is a constituent unit of KIIT deemed to be university, avoided media questions. “We do not want to comment,” said Sradhanjali Nayak, director (public relations) of KIIT. Despite attempts, IMS & SUM authorities could not be reached for comment.