Hyderabad: Kakatiya Medical College has ordered an inquiry into allegations that postgraduate students were asked to pay money for marks. Students reportedly complained to senior medical education authorities about the alleged demands in the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department.
The students reportedly approached the Kaloji Health University Registrar, Director of Medical Education and Kakatiya Medical College Principal. Their complaint alleged that students were asked to make payments in connection with marks in their PG examinations.
According to the complaint, a professor allegedly pressured postgraduate students to arrange Rs. 2 lakh each during the recent forensic department evaluation process. The students reportedly sent their complaint by email during the first week of this month.
The allegations have raised concerns about the evaluation process for medical PG examinations. However, the claims remain allegations, and the source does not state that the alleged payment demands have been established.
Kakatiya Medical College inquiry examines payment allegations
The complaint alleged that students were asked to pay Rs. 30,000 for signatures on thesis records. It further alleged that another Rs. 20,000 was demanded from each student for practical examinations scheduled in Warangal on September 11 and 12.
Students reportedly alleged that Rs. 2 lakh was ultimately demanded from each student to pass the practical examinations. The source did not provide details of payments actually made by students or identify any student who paid the alleged amount.
Kakatiya Medical College Principal Dr. Divvela Mohandas ordered an inquiry into the complaint. A three-member committee was formed with the MGM Superintendent, the Head of Pediatrics and the Superintendent of Hanamkonda Government Maternity Hospital.
The inquiry committee reportedly submitted its report to higher authorities. According to the source, the Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department has the authority to take action against heads of departments in government medical colleges.
Dr. Mohandas said the college formed the three-member committee after receiving the complaint against the professor. He said the inquiry report had been submitted to government officials and that the college was ready to implement their decision.
The source did not disclose the findings of the inquiry committee. It also did not state whether the government had taken disciplinary or legal action following the report.