Suspension of 10 medicos Sparks Student Protests at Gandhi Medical College

Telangana: Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad witnessed a protest on its premises as ten MBBS students faced suspension following accusations of ragging at the men's hostel. Those participating in the protest argued that proper protocols were not adhered to prior to the suspensions and requested a review of the decision. College officials, however, made it clear that ragging, in any form, would not be condoned.

Suspension and hostel expulsion awaited 10 students, with an equal distribution of five from the second and third years. These penalties were enforced on Monday in response to a complaint received by the Telangana director of medical education (DME) and Gandhi Medical College. The complaint was brought forth by a group of first-year students, who had commenced their course on September 1, following a communication from the University Grants Commission's (UGC) anti-ragging cell on September 8.

Earlier Medical Dialogues reported that, the students who were ragged, complained to the anti-ragging cell in UGC, New Delhi, he said, adding that the matter was conveyed to the Telangana authorities.

After issuing orders suspending 10 senior MBBS students, the DME also warned senior students in other private and government medical colleges in Telangana that if anyone indulges in ragging, firm action as per the anti-ragging rules will be taken.

Dr. K Ramesh Reddy, who serves as both DME and the principal of GMC, spoke to Indian Express and made it clear that no matter how long the students engage in protests as a means of pressuring the administration, the imposed sanctions would remain in effect. The students' current objective is to initiate discussions with Reddy in an attempt to find a resolution to the issue.

According to sources from GMC, some first-year students were summoned to the senior students' accommodations in the early hours, around 2 am, where alcohol consumption was taking place. These first-year students were purportedly compelled to participate in activities such as dancing, leading to feelings of harassment and humiliation. Rather than reporting the incident to the hospital's anti-ragging cell, the affected students decided to email the UGC's anti-ragging cell, which then pursued the matter. One of the contentions raised by the protesting students is that the suspended students were not given a chance to explain their version of events.

Dr. Reddy refuted these claims as unfounded. He declared, "Even if they persist in their protest for a month, we will not yield. We followed all the prescribed procedures in accordance with the Act. The information was gathered from junior students, and their identities will remain protected. All the seniors who were identified were summoned and openly acknowledged their actions in front of witnesses. Even if they now disown their involvement, it won't have any impact." Nevertheless, the protesting students contend that the mild ragging they endured did not merit such severe disciplinary measures.

According to a student, no one suffered any harm, and such casual interactions were a regular part of the senior-freshman dynamic. They argued that these experiences could potentially foster stronger relationships with the seniors. "As long as it's taken in the right spirit, there's no problem," they asserted. In contrast, Dr. Reddy, the DME, maintained a strict stance, emphasizing that any form of ragging, regardless of its intensity, would not be condoned.

Dr.Reddy questioned what constituted a harsh punishment, emphasizing the importance of not infringing upon the human rights of others. He asked whether calling someone at 2 in the morning was not considered harsh and whether they should remain silent spectators to such behavior. He raised concerns about potential catastrophes and questioned who would be responsible in such cases. He believes that the suspension will motivate other freshmen to come out and complain about ragging.

As per reports from The Indian Express, Reddy contended that the protests were driven by the fear that some students harbored about their names being revealed. He pointed out that some of these individuals had been involved in ragging and were uneasy about the prospect of their identities becoming public knowledge. Reddy clarified that the incident had been reported, leading to the identification of the boys in question. He also raised the possibility of other students summoning the courage to report similar incidents, intensifying their worries about potential identity exposure.

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One of the protesting students pointed out that the disciplinary actions could have negative implications for the career opportunities of those who were penalized. The DME responded by suggesting that these students should have contemplated the potential outcomes of their actions and should be relieved that they avoided expulsion.

DME mentioned that last year, 15 students from the same batch were suspended, and he believes these students should have exercised more common sense. DME noted that the junior students were content with the actions taken back then. Over nine months, these students have seemingly changed their attitudes, and now, they express a desire to engage in ragging, according to him. DME emphasized that even students who cannot afford off-campus accommodations are fearful of ragging and tend to avoid staying in the hostel.

While students have protested that details of the allegations against the suspended students or the investigation have not been made public, the DME has maintained that any sort of harassment, whether abusing or persuading someone or forcing them to complete extra work, is synonymous with ragging.

In June 2023, the National Medical Commission (NMC) issued a circular to all medical college principals and deans. The circular required them to furnish compliance reports pertaining to the 2022-23 period, specifically focusing on anti-ragging measures, documented cases of ragging, and the subsequent measures implemented. It was made clear that all medical colleges were expected to strictly follow the guidelines outlined in the Prevention and Prohibition of Ragging in Medical Colleges and Institutions Regulations of 2021.