[NEET-PG 2021] Counselling software closed: Central government opposes plea in Supreme Court seeking stray round

Close on the heels of the Supreme Court today asking the Central government to explain why 1456 postgraduate medical seats have still been left vacant, the latter has now stated that the software for NEET-PG 2021 counselling has closed, preventing further rounds to fill up seats [Dr Astha Goel & Ors. v Medical Counselling Committee & Ors.]..The affidavit submitted by the Central government, which a Bench of Justices MR Shah and Aniruddha Bose directed it to file, highlighted the delay in starting NEET 2021 for PG medical seats due to the COVID-19 pandemic. " ... the software that was being used for conducting online counselling 2021 is closed and refund of security deposit for participating in PG counselling 2021 is also initated ... The prayer of the petitioner is at a belated stage, as it will disrupt the whole process for upcoming counselling session (i.e. NEET-PG 2022)," the affdavit stated..The affidavit pointed out that while carrying out the stipulated number of mop-up rounds, as per earlier orders of the Court, the qualifying percentile was already lowered significantly (by 15 points from 50 to 35). It is further stated that since Diplomate of National Board courses were also included in the counselling process, the number of seats and vacancies also increased. Moreover, mop-up rounds were conducted through notified schemes since no seats were reverted to participating States. It was pointed out that an extra round to fill up vacant seats at this stage would also disrupt the counselling process for NEET-PG 2022 as the refund of security deposits has already been initiated.The affidavit, filed by the Directorate General of Health Services, Union Health Ministry, has pressed the top court to dismiss the pleas, claiming that the authorities have only acted in a bonafide manner, in compliance with the top court's orders. .Earlier today, while considering a batch of pleas highlighting vacant postgraduate medical seats, the Supreme Court had hinted at granting compensation to all doctor-students who are jeopardised due to non-filling of such seats."...if students are not granted admissions then we will order compensation for the students ... You have taken away the right of 1,000 students and now all 1,000 students will come to court," Justice Shah had remarked.The Bench expressed its displeasure at the lack of a stray counselling or mop-up rounds conducted to fill up such vacancies, saying that that the authorities are playing with the lives of medical students.It had directed the officers of the Directorate General of Health Services as well as the Additional Solicitor General to remain present in Court tomorrow when it is likely to pass orders after further hearing.The Court had also directed the Medical Counselling Committee to file an affidavit explaining why seats are being kept vacant.The case will be heard again tomorrow. .[NEET PG 2021] What will you gain by keeping seats vacant: Supreme Court to MCC