CORRUPT MINISTER NEEDS TO BE FIRED

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Govt-probes-seat-for-sale-scam/articleshow/4614873.cms

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Minister-denies-link-website-says-otherwise/articleshow/4614878.cms

Why blame the medical colleges that violate an SC order and state legislation banning capitation fee? Why not go deeper and see who is responsible for such violations? There is a live case where Chennai based Shree Balaji College asked for Rs 20 lakh, SRU demanded Rs 40 lakh for an MBBS seat. The colleges have 150 seats each. DMK MP and Union minister of state for information and broadcasting S Jagathrakshakan is the chairman of Shree Balaji Medical College and Hospital while SRU is run by a trust led by industrialist V R Venkataachalam.

The Balaji college administrative officer, Johnson, is on camera directing the student to meet ‘‘an agent’’ at the Shree Lakshmi Ammal Educational Trust at 29, Tilak Street, T Nagar, where “negotiations” for the capitation fee of Rs 20 lakh could be conducted. The college, he said, would at best allow parents to pay the capitation fee in three installments before January 2010, but he insisted that the amount would have to be paid “only in cash”.

MBBS students from these colleges have confirmed the entrance exam conducted by the colleges is an eyewash. Some NRIs paid Rs 75 lakh for a seat. For others, it was Rs 45 lakh. The whole higher education system in the country is blatantly being abused by a central minister. The Prime Minister would do well to remember his own words uttered while forming his new cabinet that it will not be ‘business as usual’ this time round.

The country can sincerely hope the probe into 'capitation fee issue' by HRD and Health ministries involving Balaji college owned by DMK MP and Union minister of state for information and broadcasting S Jagathrakshakan in Tamil Nadu is not an eye wash like the rest of them have been thus far. Since a member of the central cabinet is involved, it must be ensured that people's faith in the UPA is upheld by an honest and transparent probe and exemplary action against the culprits responsible. The expose proves that the Minister not only blatantly ignored Supreme Court's orders but is shamelessly denying his nefarious role in the scandal even after being exposed by media.