GMC Doda without regular Principal for months, students' body seeks Govt intervention

Jammu Kashmir: Government Medical College (GMC) Doda in Jammu and Kashmir has been functioning without a regular Principal for several months, prompting a medical students' association to seek immediate intervention from the Health and Medical Education Department.

The All India Medical Students' Association (AIMSA), Jammu and Kashmir, has submitted a representation to the department requesting the appointment of a regular Principal or an interim or in-charge head to oversee the institution's functioning.

In its representation, the association highlighted the difficulties students are facing in completing essential college-related formalities in the absence of an authorised institutional head. Several processes, including the issuance and verification of certificates, academic approvals and other official documentation, require the Principal's approval and signature.

According to AIMSA, the absence of a designated authority has delayed these processes, leaving students unable to complete important academic and administrative requirements on time. The association warned that the situation could further affect the institution's functioning if the vacant position is not addressed.

It also pointed out that a medical college requires consistent administrative leadership to coordinate academic activities, manage institutional matters and ensure that student services continue without interruption.

In its communication, AIMSA stated, "Students should not be made to suffer academically or administratively because of the absence of an institutional head. The matter requires immediate attention to prevent further inconvenience", Kashmir News Observer reported.

The association has urged the department to fill the Principal's post without further delay. Until a regular appointment is made, it has requested that a competent official be assigned charge of the institution. It has also sought directions to clear pending certificates, documentation, academic approvals and other student-related matters promptly.

The association's Jammu and Kashmir president said the issue was not merely about an administrative vacancy, as the absence of a designated head could disrupt the daily functioning of an important medical institution and create avoidable difficulties for students.

The association has expressed hope that the department will take up the matter and initiate steps to restore administrative efficiency at GMC Doda.