Kathmandu, April 11: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has said that the matter of granting an opportunity for free medical education (MBBS) to Ekata Shah, an injured person of the Gen Z movement, is not beyond the law.
Earlier, the allocation of an MBBS seat for Shah had stirred controversy, with claims that it was beyond both the merit and legal criteria set by the Medical Education Commission. It is said that Shah was granted the seat after the selection of students for this year’s MBBS course.
Issuing a press statement today, the Ministry said its attention had been drawn to media reports about the matter.
Through the press release, the Ministry stated that arrangements for enrolling Shah in MBBS studies were not made under the free scholarship quota in accordance with the National Medical Education Act, 2075 BS. Rather, it was decided under a special scholarship quota outside the regular one, and the government will ensure resources for it.
Likewise, the decision has not encroached upon or hindered opportunities for others. The decision was based on a proposal made at the request of the Medical Education Commission and within the Ministry rule in accordance with Clause 11 of the Procedures, 2082 BS, regarding the provision of relief and assistance to those injured and disabled during the Gen Z movement.
Shah had passed the MBBS entrance exam conducted by the Medical Education Commission for the academic year 2082–83 BS. She obtained 57.5 percent, and the Cabinet meeting in March decided to enroll her in MBBS studies under an additional scholarship quota.
