Kerala Govt Defends 50% Merit Quota for Pharm D; College Managements Go to Court
The Kerala government has affirmed its decision to reserve 50% of seats for merit-based admissions to the Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) course from the current academic year. Health Minister K. Muraleedharan stated that the government will not compromise on this policy, which aims to ensure deserving students are not denied admission due to high management quota fees.
In response, the Kerala State Self Financing Pharmacy College Management Association has approached the High Court, seeking permission to conduct admissions to all Pharm D seats independently. The association argues that the government's move interferes with their autonomy.
Minister Muraleedharan recently met with representatives of the association. While reiterating the government's stance on the 50% merit quota, he indicated a willingness to consider a proposal: any merit seats remaining vacant after the admission process could be transferred to the management quota. This offer was made as a possible compromise, though the association's primary demand remains the removal of the quota altogether.
The Pharm D course is a six-year professional program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The government's decision is part of broader efforts to increase access for economically weaker students in professional courses.
