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Kolkata, India – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a show-cause notice to the Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (SSKM Medical College & Hospital), one of Kolkata’s premier medical institutions, for its failure to submit the mandatory “anti-ragging declaration” from students and their guardians.
However, SSKM Medical College & Hospital is not the only medical institute to face such action. The UGC has served similar notices to a total of 18 medical institutions across the country for non-compliance with the anti-ragging regulations.
According to the provisions of the Anti-Ragging Act of 2009, every educational institute must obtain an undertaking from newly admitted students and their guardians, affirming their commitment to not engage in ragging. These declarations are to be submitted on a designated website maintained by the UGC.
The UGC’s notice stated that none of the 200 newly admitted students at SSKM had submitted their declarations, prompting the commission to seek an explanation from the institute. Furthermore, the commission warned that failure to provide a satisfactory response could lead to further action.
Officials from the West Bengal Health Department suggested that the issue might have stemmed from a communication gap. They expressed confidence that it would be resolved soon.
“In medical colleges, such anti-ragging undertakings are typically forwarded to the National Medical Commission. If they also need to be sent to the UGC, the necessary steps will be taken accordingly,” a senior Health Department official stated.
This development comes at a time when West Bengal’s health sector has been under scrutiny due to several unfortunate incidents. These include the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor from R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in August last year and the deaths of a woman and a newborn at another medical institution in West Midnapore, allegedly due to the administration of expired medical fluids.
Disclaimer: This article is based on available reports and statements from relevant authorities. The situation is subject to further updates, and the concerned institutions may provide additional clarifications or take corrective measures as required by the UGC.
