PSD addressing scholars’ woes

Star: The living allowance for Public Services Department-sponsored students in India may be raised in view of the rising cost of living in the subcontinent.
The PSD said in a statement that it was negotiating with the Finance Ministry to increase the monthly allowance, currently set at 7,091 rupees (RM620) for its students in India.
It added that steps had been taken to address the problems identified by parents of PSD-sponsored students.
They claimed that the facilities and quality of teaching at Kasturba Medical College (KMC) in Mangalore were substandard.
Among the problems highlighted in a news report were that female students had to live above a mortuary, some students were served only rice and gravy for meals, and teaching methods were out-dated, with the use of chalk and blackboard.
“We are aware of the problems faced by the new PSD-sponsored students who arrived in KMC Mangalore in September.
“Follow-up action was taken and their accommodation and Internet problems have been resolved,” the statement continued.
KMC Mangalore is a private institution which is a constituent college under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Its medical degree is recognised by the Indian Medical Council as well as the Malaysian Government.
There are currently 50 PSD-sponsored students at the college.
The PSD said that KMC Mangalore had also taken “appropriate steps” to deal with other problems such as the library, lecture rooms, sports and recreation facilities.
“We have received feedback that the students have adjusted to the learning environment and living conditions.
“The PSD is satisfied with the student placement and quality of learning at KMC Mangalore. However, we will continue to work with the college to continuously improve on the facilities required by students,” the statement said.
PSD would also continuously monitor the situation to ensure that the needs of sponsored students were taken care of according to the agreement signed by both parties.
“With the measures taken by KMC Mangalore and PSD’s efforts in looking after the welfare of students, the department is confident that the students will be able to follow their studies successfully.”
KMC Mangalore dean Dr C.V. Raghuveer could not be reached for comment.