No Registrar, No Relief: Delhi Medical Council in administrative, financial Paralysis Amid Mounting Dues

New Delhi: The vacancy in the post of registrar has resulted in a severe administrative and financial crisis at the Delhi Medical Council (DMC), The New Indian Express has reported.

With the statutory and operational functions of the Delhi Medical Council being at a standstill, the Council is facing pending financial obligations exceeding Rs 2.5 crore. The council has acknowledged the situation, and the draft minutes of a council meeting held recently mentioned that the Delhi Medical Council is undergoing "critical administrative and financial paralysis."

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Delhi Government sought clarifications from the Council regarding the allegations raised against Council President Dr Arun Gupta, Vice-President Dr. Naresh Chawla. After the Delhi Health and Family Welfare Department issued a show-cause notice to the Delhi Medical Council and threatened to take disciplinary action under the Delhi Medical Council Act 1997 including the dissolution of the Council, the Registrar resigned from his post.

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As per the latest media report by The New Indian Express, the absence of an authorised signatory has reportedly hampered the execution of essential duties and the disbursement of payments. The Council is dealing with a mounting list of unpaid dues, including a pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) challan of Rs 30 lakh, monthly rent of Rs 17 lakh to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). 

Reportedly, a three-month advance, due from April 1, 2025, has also not been cleared, and the DMRC is threatening to levy an interest of 24% per annum on the delay.

Additionally, DMRC has also raised a separate demand of 72 lakh in interest for overdue rent spanning November 2019 to July 2021. There also are concerns regarding a Rs 55 lakh GST appeal filing fee, which is yet to be paid.

The salaries for the employees for the month of March has not been disbursed as well and the amount if Rs 15 lakh. Further, payments related to TDS, income tax, and provident fund contributions are also overdue. 

TNIE has reported that DMC is yet to pay Rs 15 lakh towards an LIC policy covering leave encashment and gratuity as well. The digital infrastructure of the Council is also at a risk as the internet lease line charges are due by April 28, 2025. If unpaid, this could result in disrupted online operations. Other outstanding expenses for DMC include Rs 23 lakh payable to a vendor, Rs 7 lakh for annual maintenance contract (AMC) renewal, and Rs 28.8 lakh pending development costs.

As per the Daily, the reason for this financial crisis is the vacant position of the Registrar, which has remained unfilled since February. Since then, internal disagreements have delayed the appointment of a successor.

Sources at Delhi medical council told TNIE on the condition of anonymity that even though the Council initially shortlisted four candidates, only one name- Dr. Dr Vijay Dhankar—was forwarded to the Delhi government in March, contrary to the government’s request for a panel.

Commenting on the matter, one DMC member added, "There is lobbying to ensure a specific individual is appointed. The government clearly asked for options. Instead, a single name was sent which shows vested interests of a few."

Also Read: No Registrar! MBBS Internships, Doctors Registration Delayed at Delhi Medical Council