Maharashtra has announced a new policy mandating a one-year compulsory social responsibility service for MBBS and BDS students admitted to government and municipal colleges, government-aided or unaided private institutions, or those receiving government scholarships. The policy, effective for students completing their mandatory internships, also includes a requirement to sign an undertaking to remain in India for five years post-degree, with a Rs 10 lakh penalty for non-compliance.
The new regulation, detailed in the Information Brochure of Preference System for Health Science Courses by the Maharashtra State CET Cell, specifies that students benefiting from fee reimbursements or scholarships must fulfill this service obligation. This applies to admissions through various quotas, including GOI nominees, All India quota, and state quota through NEET UG from 2022 onward.
The Brochure outlines that candidates who breach the commitment by leaving India within five years will incur a non-refundable penalty of Rs 10 lakh. For those admitted to government-aided or unaided private MBBS courses who receive scholarships from departments such as Tribal Welfare or Social Justice, the policy similarly mandates the one-year service post-internship.
Additionally, the Brochure highlights financial penalties for lapsing MBBS/BDS seats at government or government-aided institutions. Candidates who join or leave seats during or after the final admission round will face a Rs 10 lakh penalty. In contrast, a Rs 3 lakh penalty applies to those vacating seats at government, government-aided, or private unaided colleges offering Ayush courses.
The Directorate of Medical Education Research and the Directorate of Health Services will oversee the implementation of these policies.