A representational photo showing members of Telangana Junior Doctors Association staging a protest in Hyderabad.
The Telangana Junior Doctors Association (T-JUDA) has written to the National Medical Commission (NMC) and Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS) expressing concern over the challenges faced by post-graduate medical students, particularly those admitted under government quota in private medical colleges.
Their appeal comes in response to a circular from KNRUHS that highlighted widespread irregularities in the awarding of disproportionately high marks during practical examinations in private colleges and warned institutions and faculty members against such malpractice.
The TJUDA’s response, however, broadens the scope of concern beyond the exam marks. The association has demanded that all PG theory and practical examinations be shifted out of private institutions and conducted exclusively in government medical colleges.
“This is necessary to ensure a neutral and transparent examination process. Students have raised fears of bias, manipulation, and coercion during internal assessments in private institutions, where faculty and administrators wield unchecked influence,” said J. Issac Newton, president, T-JUDA.
The association also brings to light allegations of mental harassment and psychological intimidation.
“Students are frequently subjected to threats by college authorities, with statements such as ‘Your life is in our hands’ – contributing to an unsafe and hostile learning environment. There is an urgent need for the establishment of an independent grievance redressal mechanism in colleges to investigate such practices and provide students a secure channel to report abuse,” said a medico from a private medical college in Hyderabad.
Financial exploitation is another major concern raised by the medicos. Post-graduate students admitted under government quota in private colleges are often denied the stipends they are entitled to, or are paid irregularly, despite performing the same duties as their peers in government institutions. The T-JUDA urged authorities to ensure regular and uniform disbursement of stipends to all PG students.
The association also highlighted exploitative fee collection practices. “Colleges are collecting amounts far beyond what is officially prescribed, imposing penalties, and interest, on delayed payments without justification, and failing to issue proper receipts or maintain transparency in financial transactions. We demand a thorough audit and regulatory review of these practices by the concerned authorities,” said Ajay Kumar Goud, general secretary of T-JUDA.
Another issue flagged by the medicos is the deliberate withholding of no-dues certificates, which are mandatory for students to be allowed to appear in examinations.
“These certificates are often withheld even after fulfilling all academic and clinical requirements, and are used as a tool to exert pressure, demand payment, or force compliance with unjust institutional demands,” adds another student.
Published – May 26, 2025 07:55 pm IST
