Govt’s merit scheme costs rural school topper a med seat

In 2018, M Divyadharshini, of Parangipettai taluk in Cuddalore emerged as a government school district topper in the Class 10 exam securing 456 of 500. Based on her meritorious performance among government school students, former Cuddalore District Collector VP Dhandapani offered the education assistance scheme under which government school students can opt to study Class 11 and Class 12 in any private educational institution at the full expense of the government, including hostel fees.

Two years later, Divyadharshini, who hails from a poor economic background, scored more than 85 per cent in Class 12 (525 of 600 marks) and cleared the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) with 343 marks. However, her dream of becoming a doctor was shattered.

“If my daughter had secured the same marks by studying at the Parangipettai government school, she would have now been eligible for a medical seat as per the 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students. Going by her marks, my daughter secured 9th rank under the government quota,” claimed K Murali, father of Divyadharshini, who works at a ration shop. “I feel guilty and am running from pillar to post seeking help,” Murali said outside the Chief Minister Special Cell while sharing copies of her certificate. “Like me, a few other parents had shifted their meritorious children from government schools to private schools under the District Collector’s scholarship scheme and are now in regretting the decision ,” he added.

“Despite clearing NEET, Divyadharshini lost her medical seat ranking because she was a private school student. Going by the new reservation order, the aspirant has been now caught between the scheme and the new GO rule,” said B Venkatesh, an AIADMK functionary in Periamet, who has been accompanying the student and her father petitioning the education officers and the Chief Minister’s cell. “The State should look into this issue and review the case of all meritorious students, who had opted for the District Collector’s education scheme,” he added.