BJ medical college Pune nursing, paramedical students protest over hostel rules, alleged harassment

A large number of the protesting students were from the Nursing Institute of BJMC, with many residing across three hostels, one for boys and two for girls. The institute currently has around 200 nursing and 90 paramedical students enrolled in its four-year programme.

Students alleged that hostel rules were frequently changed without prior notice, creating confusion. They also highlighted issues such as mental harassment, caste-based discriminatory remarks, inadequate facilities and failure to conduct student council elections on time.

The protest was supported by members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who submitted a detailed memorandum to the BJMC administration seeking immediate redressal of multiple grievances.

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In the memorandum as reported by HT, the organisation objected to the collection of money from students for MUHS oral practical examinations, including expenses related to external examiners, conveners and supervisors.

The organisation sought transparency in the use of Student Nurses Association (SNA) funds and demanded timely elections. It also questioned certain rules, claiming they lack proper academic or institutional justification.

The memorandum pointed out a lack of clarity in rules related to makeup duties, attendance, and clinical postings, alleging frequent and arbitrary changes. It opposed strict penalties, especially the 1:5 makeup duty rule for absences, and flagged repeated changes in hospital postings and attendance rules without proper communication.

A major part of the memorandum focused on hostel-related concerns, especially for women students. ABVP alleged that hostel rules are overly strict and lack clear reasoning. Students are reportedly not allowed to order food from outside, and their movement is restricted to fixed hours. During vacations, entry and exit are limited between 7 am and 7 pm, regardless of travel needs.

Speaking to TOI, Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad's Pune city secretary Radhey Bahegavhankar said, "The administration must solve the problems immediately. We have highlighted the issues multiple times, but there has been no action. The campus lacks even basic amenities. The improper treatment meted out to students in a prestigious institute like BJMC is unacceptable."

Radhey also told HT, "There have been instances of verbal and mental harassment by on-duty staff, including comments on students’ attire and character, and intrusive questioning about personal matters. We have demanded immediate action against such behaviour."

In response, BJMC dean Dr Eknath Pawar said that the administration has received the memorandum. Currently, the administration is considering extension of the evening curfew time for the hostel from 7 pm to 8.30 pm.

Dr Pawar further said, "Even before the protest, a committee had been appointed to probe the issues. We have received several complaints against the Nursing College principal. The committee’s report is expected in a couple of days, and action will be taken based on its recommendations."

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