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The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has raised alarm over reports of caste-based discrimination and inhuman working conditions faced by postgraduate (PG) medical students in India, particularly those from marginalised communities and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The ministry has formally forwarded a complaint from the United Doctors Front (UDF) to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, urging immediate intervention.
The UDF’s representation, submitted on June 28, 2025, highlights persistent neglect and marginalisation of PG students belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and PwDs. The complaint details several key violations reported by students across medical institutions:
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Excessive duty hours, with some students reportedly working over 36 hours at a stretch
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Violations of the Uniform Central Residency Scheme (1992) and Post-Graduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER) Guidelines (2023)
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Caste-based discrimination, harassment, and mental health neglect, which have led to suicides and student dropouts
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Poor enforcement of existing government policies by medical institutions and regulatory authorities
An Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on July 2, 2025, acknowledged these concerns and called on the Health Ministry to review the UDF’s complaints in light of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016.
Dr Lakshya Mittal, Chairperson and National President of UDF, welcomed the ministry’s action, stating,
“This is a small but important step in ensuring justice and dignity for thousands of PG students from vulnerable backgrounds. We urge the Health Ministry and NMC to take immediate corrective action.”
The UDF’s appeal marks a renewed push for equitable, safe, and inclusive training environments within India’s medical education system. Despite the existence of policies intended to protect students’ rights, the memorandum notes that implementation remains inadequate, and calls for stronger oversight and enforcement.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of July 4, 2025, from official statements and media reports. The situation is evolving, and further updates or responses from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other authorities may follow. Readers are advised to consult official sources for the latest developments.
