NMC Cracks Down on Medical College Ragging, Warns of Strict Action Against Guilty Students

New Delhi: Serious complaints of ragging with new MBBS students have come to light in many medical colleges of the country. Students from different states including Rajasthan, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh have accused senior students of mental and physical harassment. According to the complaints, the junior students were made to pose indecent poses, asked to change their clothes in front of others and subjected to humiliating activities till late at night. Some students were also forced to dance on item songs. Taking these complaints seriously, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued 18 notices and official letters to 15 medical colleges.

What did NMC ask from colleges in 24 hours?

The anti-ragging cell of the National Medical Commission had received these complaints between October 16 and November 6. These include the cases of 14 medical colleges in Rajasthan and one medical college in Karnataka. The Commission has sought detailed action taken reports from most of the institutions within 24 hours. Colleges have been directed to investigate the complaints and identify the students allegedly involved in ragging. Also, CCTV footage and other digital evidence have been asked to be kept safe. The Commission has also stressed the need to ensure the safety of the students who complain so that they can express their views without any pressure. 

Can medical registration be cancelled if found guilty?

NMC has made it clear to medical colleges that strict action should be taken against students found guilty in ragging cases. Apart from suspension, this also includes provisions for cancellation of medical registration. According to a senior official of the Commission, the medical registration of some students was suspended in a case in Gujarat. The official said that the responsibility of implementing such action lies with the respective state governments and medical councils. He also expressed concern that due to soft attitude in many cases, effective action is not taken against the accused students.

Against how many students in Jalaun Medical College action taken?

A case of ragging was also reported in Government Medical College, Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh. In October, videos related to alleged harassment of junior students went viral on social media. After initial investigation, the college administration had suspended seven senior students for a week. Further investigation also revealed the role of 10 other students. After this, a total of 17 students were suspended for three months. A fine of Rs 25 thousand was also imposed on each.

What allegations did the junior students make in Banswara?

New MBBS students at Banswara Government Medical College, Rajasthan have made serious allegations against senior students. According to the complaint, junior students were harassed in the name of introduction after the White Coat Ceremony on October 30. It is alleged that they were stopped till around 1 am in the night and forced to perform obscene activities.

The complaint also said that students were ordered to gather in the grounds in the evening. If they did not agree, they were threatened with being kept out of college programmes and sports activities. Names of some senior students have also been registered in the complaint.

What did the doctors' organisation demand?

United Doctors Front (UDF) President Dr Lakshya Mittal has expressed concern over the complaints of Banswara Medical College. He said that incidents like ragging or sexual harassment in the name of introduction cannot be accepted in medical colleges. Dr Mittal demanded protection of the complainants, fair investigation into the case and strict action against the students found guilty. He says that students should get a safe and respectful environment in medical colleges.