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New Delhi, May 13, 2025 – In a recent revelation, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has confirmed that only one medical college has been found guilty of using fake fingerprints in the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) for faculty attendance. This information came to light following a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Dr. Lakshya Mittal, National President of the United Doctors’ Front (UDF).
Only One Institution Found Guilty
According to the NMC’s response, the Rawatpura Sarkar Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Chhattisgarh was the sole institution identified for fraudulent use of fake fingerprints in the AEBAS system. No comprehensive list of other defaulter medical colleges or faculty members involved in such impersonation was provided, with the NMC stating that “no such list of defaulter medical colleges/institutions has been maintained/available.”
Concerns Over Systemic Loopholes
Dr. Mittal expressed concern over the lack of transparency and comprehensive data, calling it “alarming and disappointing” that only one institution was held accountable. He highlighted ongoing worries within the medical community about the vulnerability of the fingerprint-based attendance system to manipulation, including proxy attendances and fingerprint cloning.
“The fact that no comprehensive list of other potentially defaulting institutions has been provided raises significant questions about the effectiveness and transparency of the monitoring processes in place,” Dr. Mittal told Medical Dialogues. He warned that such unethical practices could undermine the integrity of medical education and compromise the quality of healthcare in India.
Move to Face-Based Biometric Attendance
With the NMC planning to fully implement a face-based biometric attendance system from May 1, 2025, Dr. Mittal expressed cautious optimism. He noted that face recognition technology is generally harder to manipulate than fingerprint-based systems, potentially reducing fraudulent practices.
However, the UDF has called for immediate and thorough audits of all institutions, regular monitoring, and transparent reporting mechanisms. The organization has urged the NMC and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to maintain and publish a clear record of institutions found violating biometric attendance protocols and to take appropriate actions to ensure accountability.
NMC’s Response and Next Steps
The NMC stated that the matter is “under examination,” and did not provide details about any actions taken, warnings, or penalties issued to the guilty institution or individuals involved.
As the new face-based system is rolled out, stakeholders in the medical education sector are watching closely to see if these measures will restore faith in the integrity of faculty attendance and, by extension, the quality of medical education in India.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues and the official RTI response from the National Medical Commission. The situation is evolving, and further updates may emerge as the NMC continues its examination of the matter. Readers are advised to refer to official sources for the most current information.
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