An inquiry committee of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has said that there should not be any moral policing in the Grant Medical College (GMC) attached to the JJ Hospital. An inquiry carried out by a three-member committee appointed by the DMER to look into the moral policing issue has also stated that the newly appointed dean of the college, Dr. Ajay Chandanwale, should improve communication and be present for important events organised in the college.
Last month, the MBBS students from GMC had protested against the college authorities for their moral policing in the campus. Students had alleged that wardens of the girls and boys hostels, teachers and the dean of the college issued many diktats that were unacceptable to them, including dress codes and minimal interaction between girls and boys. The tussle between the dean and the students had reached a tipping point on April 3, when the students staged an agitation at Grant Medical College Students Association Gymkhana.
While Dr. Chandanwale clarified that the students were taking the disciplinary rules out of context, the DMER set up an inquiry committee to look into the issue. DMER’s head Dr. Tatyarao Lahane said that the moral policing and restrictions put on students within the campus must stop. He said, “The report has stated that restrictions put on students with regards to dress code – that used to be prevalent about 40 years ago – must stop. The committee has also stated in its report that restrictions on male and female students sitting or interacting with each other on the campus must stop.”
Further, the committee has recommended the removal of women’s hostel warden Dr. Shilpa Patil based on the allegations of the students. Dr. Lahane said, “The committee said Dr. Patil should be removed from the position of the warden of the hostel for troubling female students. We will communicate the same to the college authorities,”
While calling for bridging the gap developed between students and teachers, the report has suggested the dean to not miss crucial college events and take decisions on his own. Dr. Lahane said, “The professors and administrators can play an important role in bridging the gap that has been developed between students and the administration. The report also states that the dean must realise that every medical college is different and that he must consult professors and the academic council on decisions, rather than taking them on his own.”
Dr. Chandanwale refused to comment on the issue citing the code of conduct.
The panel probing complaints against Dr. Rajashree Katke, a senior professor at JJ Hospital who allegedly harassed a female student, is yet to submit its report.