Kathmandu — Nepal’s Education Ministry has defended its decision to grant an MBBS scholarship to Ekata Shah, a Gen-Z protest victim, rejecting claims that the move violated existing rules. The clarification comes amid growing public scrutiny over fairness in medical education admissions.
The ministry issued a statement on Friday asserting that Shah’s scholarship was provided under a special additional quota approved by the government, not under the standard merit-based system.
Legal Framework and Scholarship Allocation
According to the ministry, scholarships under the National Medical Education Act, 2018 are typically distributed based on merit and defined legal criteria. However, Shah’s case falls outside this framework.
Officials clarified that the Cabinet decision on Chaitra 1 approved a special scholarship quota, supported by a separate budget arrangement. This, they said, ensures that no existing candidates were displaced or deprived of opportunities.
The controversy erupted after critics argued that the MBBS seats for the academic year 2082/83 had already been allocated through entrance exam rankings, raising concerns about transparency.
Ministry Cites Relief Policy for Protest Victims
The ministry emphasized that the decision aligns with the Relief and Support Procedure for Injured and Disabled Individuals during the Gen-Z Movement, 2082.
Under Clause 11 of the procedure, the government can provide educational support to individuals affected during protests. The ministry noted that the Medical Education Commission had formally requested the arrangement, which was then approved through due process.
Academic Qualification and Selection Context
Ekata Shah had scored 57.5% in the MBBS entrance examination, qualifying under the minimum criteria. While not selected through the regular merit list, the government used the special provision to facilitate her enrollment.
Officials reiterated that this approach balances legal compliance and humanitarian support, particularly for those impacted during political movements.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The decision has triggered mixed reactions. While some view it as a justified support measure for protest victims, others argue it risks setting a precedent that could undermine merit-based systems.
Education experts warn that such decisions must remain transparent and limited, to avoid eroding trust in competitive academic processes. The ministry, however, maintains that the move neither breaches the law nor affects existing scholarship allocations, positioning it as a targeted policy intervention rather than systemic change.
