85% of TRIHMS Seats to be Reserved for Arunachal ST Students: State Govt

85% of TRIHMS Seats to be Reserved for Arunachal ST Students: State Govt

The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has announced its decision to reserve 85% of the MBBS seats at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) for Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (APST) students.

This move comes after a memorandum highlighting discrepancies in the previous allocation system was submitted by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Arunachal Pradesh Chapter and the Arunachal Pradesh Doctors Association (APDA) to the state Health Minister.

Addressing the media at a press conference, IMA Arunachal Chapter President, Dr. Kesang W. Thongdok, explained the concerns raised in the memorandum submitted to the Minister of Health and Family Welfare on July 18, 2024.

The press release stated that as per the National Medical Commission (NMC) norms, 15% of the total seats in any State run Medical College is mandatorily allotted to the All India Quota (AIO) which is open to all the general category candidates. Rest of the 85% seats is at the disposal of the State Government.

As per the previous system, out of the state share of 85%, 20%(16 seats) was reserved for Non-Arunachal Pradesh Scheduled Tribe (Non-APST) candidates and 4%(3 seats) for NRI candidates, which Dr Thongdok argued was logically unjustifiable and unfair to local APST students, as it deprived the indigenous APST candidates.

“The previous allocation policy was inequitable and unfair to our local aspiring medical students,” stated Dr. Thongdok. “Our memorandum called for an immediate review and rectification to ensure that the interests of our indigenous students are safeguarded.” he further added.

Dr Thongdok commended the prompt action taken by Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Health Minister Biyuram Wahge in addressing the issue.

This reallocation aims to rectify the disparities faced by indigenous students and ensure fair access to medical education for APST candidates at TRIHMS.

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