The news that numerous unrelated donor renal transplants are being permitted in Bangalore will surprise no one. It is near axiomatic that whenever anything is in short supply, as kidneys are, and when a few people are given discretion on the allotment of the scarce commodity, as the authorisation committee is, the ground has been prepared for misuse of power. A similar situation (and no less important) exists in the field of medical education. The abandon with which different states are rushing to permit private medical colleges, which charge exorbitant amounts for seats, is cause for serious concern. Unfortunately, those who should be advising the government on such matters are themselves using these avenues for their children and as post-retirement sinecures.