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New Delhi/Chandigarh, May 1, 2025:
Faculty members of two of India’s leading medical institutions-AIIMS New Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh-have begun a month-long black badge protest starting today, expressing strong dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in implementing the rotatory headship policy promised by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The Faculty Association of AIIMS (FAIMS) and the Faculty Association of PGIMER, in a joint letter addressed to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, highlighted their frustration with what they describe as “continued inaction” despite a formal assurance from the ministry in 2023 that the rotatory headship system would be operational by June 2024. The rotatory headship policy, which has been a longstanding demand for over a decade, aims to introduce a system where the head of each department is appointed by rotation, promoting fairness, transparency, and democratic governance within these premier institutions.
Background and Demands
The demand for rotatory headship, along with a collegium-based structure, is seen by faculty as essential for ending what they describe as autocratic decision-making and ensuring broader participation in departmental governance. Currently, department heads are appointed based on seniority and hold the position until retirement, a system faculty say limits transparency and accountability.
Despite multiple committee recommendations-including a 2023 report from a panel chaired by Professor V K Bahl, former dean of AIIMS-faculty associations allege that no concrete steps have been taken toward implementation. Repeated attempts at dialogue with the Ministry have not resulted in a meeting with the Health Minister, further fueling faculty frustration.
Protest Plan
The black badge campaign, which will continue through May, is intended as a peaceful and symbolic protest. If the issue remains unresolved, faculty associations have warned of escalating their protest in phases: a relay hunger strike is planned for June, with the possibility of further intensified actions from July onwards.
“In view of the Ministry’s continued inaction, and as previously resolved, we are now compelled to express our dissent through peaceful and symbolic protest. A Black Badge Campaign will begin on 1st May 2025 and continue through the entire month of May,” the associations stated in their joint letter.
Broader Context
The policy of rotatory headship is already in place at several other top medical institutes in India, such as IMS-BHU Varanasi, NIMHANS Bengaluru, JIPMER Puducherry, and CMC Vellore. Faculty at AIIMS and PGIMER argue that adopting this system is critical for institutional integrity and democratic values within the country’s foremost healthcare and academic establishments.
What’s Next
Both associations have reaffirmed their commitment to continue the protest until the rotatory headship policy is implemented as promised. They have called upon the Ministry to honor its commitment and avoid a situation where faculty are forced to protest for a policy that has already been assured.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information from faculty association statements, official communications, and news reports as of May 1, 2025. The situation is evolving, and readers are advised to consult official sources or the respective institutions for the latest updates.
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