The National Medical Commission (NMC) has renewed 100 MBBS seats for Government Medical College (GMC) Udhampur for the 2024–25 academic year after slapping a Rs 12 lakh fine on the institution. The fine was imposed due to ongoing deficiencies and failure to follow NMC guidelines and regulations.

According to official sources, the NMC evaluates and renews MBBS seats for medical colleges annually based on the Annual Declaration Form submitted on its portal. GMC Udhampur, like other colleges, submitted the required data and documents for the renewal of their 100 MBBS seats. However, during the assessment, NMC experts identified several issues, including discrepancies in the annual declaration, examination videos, and SAF-C (Standard Assessment Format for Colleges) provided by the college, as well as issues in the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) report.

In response to these findings, NMC issued a show cause notice to GMC Udhampur, demanding a point-wise reply within three days explaining why their seats should not be reduced for the 2024–25 academic year or why a monetary penalty should not be imposed. The college was also given a chance to present its case through a virtual hearing before the Undergraduate Medical Education Board on May 23, 2024. During the hearing, the college was represented by its principal, but the NMC authorities found the institution's explanations unsatisfactory.

Despite the substantial breaches identified, NMC decided to take a lenient approach. The commission granted the renewal of 100 MBBS seats for GMC Udhampur, conditional upon the payment of a Rs 12 lakh fine. However, NMC warned that a reassessment would be conducted in two months, and if the deficiencies were not addressed, stricter actions would be taken.

"The competent authority is of the view that, in all respects, your college becomes the fit case for a reduction of seats due to non-adherence to guidelines and regulations notified and issued by NMC from time to time. Since the portal for submission of the Annual Declaration Form has been introduced for the first time, taking a lenient view, the Board decided to grant renewal of 100 MBBS seats for the years 2024–25, subject to the deposit of a fine of Rs 12 lakh as a first measure. However, a reassessment will be done after two months. If deficiencies exist within your college, this organization will initiate stringent action as mandated under MSMER-2023 Chapter-III Clause-8 and any other relevant act and rules," stated the Director of UGMEB in a communiqué to GMC Udhampur.

References:

1. editor. (2024, June 22). NMC imposes Rs 12 lac fine on GMC Udhampur for non-adherence. Jammu Bulletin. https://jammubulletin.com/site/nmc-imposes-rs-12-lakh-fine-on-gmc-udhampur-for-non-adherence-of-commissions-guidelines/

2. Excelsior, D. (2024, June 22). NMC imposes Rs 12 lakh fine on GMC Udhampur for non-adherence of Commission’s guidelines. Daily Excelsior. https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/nmc-imposes-rs-12-lakh-fine-on-gmc-udhampur-for-non-adherence-of-commissions-guidelines/

3. Misra, B. (2024, June 23). Non-adherence to Guidelines: NMC imposes Rs 12 lakh fine on GMC Udhampur, conditional renewal for MBBS seats. https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-colleges/non-adherence-to-guidelines-nmc-imposes-rs-12-lakh-fine-on-gmc-udhampur-conditional-renewal-for-mbbs-seats-130529

4. NMC imposes Rs 12 lakh fine on GMC Udhampur. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2024, from https://www.crosstownnews.in/post/121662/nmc-imposes-rs-12-lakh-fine-on-gmc-udhampur.html

(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary)