Jaipur: The Rajasthan government has directed all private medical colleges to strictly follow the fee structure approved by the state-level fee regulatory committee, cautioning that stringent action will follow if any institution violates the rules.

Medical Education Secretary Ambrish Kumar said the directive comes in response to repeated complaints about arbitrary fee collection by some colleges. The move aligns with the Supreme Court's ruling in Islamic Academy of Education vs State of Karnataka, which mandates regulation of admissions and fee structures to prevent the commercialisation of education.

Kumar noted that several colleges were reportedly charging extra fees by designating 15 per cent of seats as “management quota” without authorisation. Institutions found collecting fees beyond approved limits will be required to refund the excess amount with 12 per cent annual interest.

Non-compliance could result in withdrawal of affiliation, recovery of excess fees from institutional assets, and possible penal action. The government said the order aims to ensure transparency, curb exploitation of students, and make medical education more affordable and merit-based.