Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Kewal Singh Dhillon slams Punjab Govt over MBBS fee hike, says medical education becoming unaffordable
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 9, 2026: Punjab BJP State President Kewal Singh Dhillon has criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the reported increase in MBBS fees in the state, alleging that the move could make medical education increasingly inaccessible to students from poor and middle-class families.
Dhillon accused the government of making a significant gap between its claims of an “education revolution” and its policies, particularly in higher and professional education.
He said that while the government promotes its education initiatives, the rising cost of medical education could create an additional financial burden for families aspiring to see their children become doctors.
According to reports cited by Dhillon, MBBS fees in Punjab's medical colleges have been increased, with fees in government institutions also witnessing a rise. He further claimed that the total course fee in private medical colleges has increased from around ₹21.48 lakh to approximately ₹25.22 lakh, apart from other charges associated with medical education.
Calling the issue a matter concerning the future of thousands of students, Dhillon said meritorious youngsters should not be denied opportunities to pursue medical education simply because their families cannot afford the rising fees.
He also questioned what he described as a contradiction in the government's approach to education. While the AAP government has discussed measures concerning the expansion of private schools, he said, it is simultaneously allowing the cost of medical education to rise.
“An education revolution does not happen merely by showcasing it in advertisements. A true education revolution happens when a child from a poor farmer’s, labourer’s or middle-class family in Punjab can access quality higher education without an unbearable financial burden,” Dhillon said.
He urged the state government to reconsider the fee hike and ensure that financial constraints do not prevent deserving students from pursuing medical education.
Dhillon further said the government's performance on education should be assessed through the affordability and accessibility of education rather than publicity campaigns.