The students, however, pointed out that the move was beneficial to them. “The act came into effect in 2012 for the MBBS and medical PG students to serve a one-year compulsory rural bond for those who were under the government quota. Although there were benefits for us where we could get hands-on practical experience in rural district hospitals after doing our MBBS and with a stipend of Rs 62,666, there was also the disadvantage of students having to lose their one year to get their PG seat,” said Dr Shashikant Kamble.