Mumbai, Sept 18: After weeks of uncertainty due to protests over steep hike in fees in private medical colleges, the admission process in government colleges across Maharashtra began here today, providing relief to students opting for medical courses. Nearly 35 students took admissions to various medical courses in government colleges as of now, the joint director of medical education Dr Wasudev Tayade told a news agency.

"The admission process has begun peacefully and there is no untoward incident", he said. Similarly requests by altogether 300 students were considered for change of institution earlier in the day, Tayade added. The admissions in government medical colleges began this morning in St George Hospital precincts, where centralised admissions are being conducted, in keeping with the Mumbai High Court directive of September 15.

Earlier last week, the government had suspended the admission process following widespread protests by the student community against high fee structure in private medical colleges.

The government had then sought the court's intervention. The state cabinet also came out with a formula for fee structure for private medical institutions. However, the admission process for private institutions has been stayed by the Supreme Court. The apex court on September 15 had asked the state government to file its reply within two weeks. Bureau Report