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Kolkata, May 22, 2025 — The National Medical Commission (NMC), India’s apex medical regulatory body, has issued show-cause notices to a majority of West Bengal’s medical colleges, flagging serious concerns about faculty shortages and irregular attendance among teaching staff. The move comes after a recent virtual inspection and review, which revealed multiple deficiencies in compliance and operational standards.
Widespread Notices Across the State
According to sources in the State Health Department, most of the state’s 38 medical colleges have received these notices. Notably, the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital (NRSMCH) in Kolkata was cited for eight specific deficiencies, including insufficient faculty data, discrepancies in examination protocols, and unfilled senior resident positions.
Mandatory Biometric Attendance
In response to the NMC’s findings, the West Bengal government has mandated that faculty and senior residents at NRSMCH must now mark their attendance twice daily using a face-recognition-based Aadhaar-Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) via a mobile app. This measure aims to ensure stricter accountability and accurate attendance records.
Key Deficiencies Highlighted
The NMC’s show-cause notices pointed to several critical issues:
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Insufficient Data: In 18 out of 20 departments at NRSMCH, the AEBAS system lacked adequate data.
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Operational Gaps: There were reported discrepancies in cadaver data, cytopathology, operation theatre records, and bed occupancy rates (noted at 73%).
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Examination Irregularities: Video evidence from August 2024 showed crowded examination halls with students talking during exams.
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Vacant Positions: Numerous senior resident posts remain unfilled.
Responses and Challenges
NRSMCH principal Dr. Indira Dey responded to the NMC, attributing some of the data gaps to technical glitches and noting that manual attendance was being maintained. She also stated that bed occupancy typically exceeded 80%, except during a junior doctors’ protest in June 2024, which temporarily reduced patient admissions.
College officials have acknowledged resistance among some faculty members to the biometric attendance system, citing privacy and logistical concerns. The transition from thumb-based to face-recognition attendance has also posed challenges.
Broader Context and Next Steps
The NMC has warned that non-compliance could result in monetary penalties of up to ₹1 crore per violation, along with other stringent actions. Officials noted that faculty recruitment in the state has been hampered by a pending court case regarding OBC reservations.
Similar show-cause notices have recently been issued to medical colleges in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, indicating a nationwide push by the NMC to enforce stricter standards in medical education and hospital administration.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and other cited sources. The details provided reflect the situation as of May 22, 2025, and may be subject to updates or clarifications from the involved institutions and regulatory authorities. For the latest and most accurate information, readers are encouraged to consult official statements from the National Medical Commission and the West Bengal State Health Department.
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