The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh has come under criticism following a circular warning its medical students against holding any social gathering without prior permission.
The order, dated September 15, stated: “...no social gathering shall be organised by any students either inside or outside of campus without permission from the dean (academic/student welfare). Else disciplinary action will be taken against students concerned.”
The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of AIIMS-Delhi called the circular “ridiculous” and said that it has demanded that the order be “revoked with an apology from the dean and the issuing authorities”.
AIIMS-Delhi RDA member Vijay Kumar said, “We cannot believe that these type of orders are being issued for future doctors. These are the same students who will be entrusted with the lives of critically ill patients very soon. These are students who are serious about their academics and have come here to train themselves for a important job. To bring in such a short-sighted order is insulting.”
Dr. Kumar added that the students at AIIMS-Rishikesh were “afraid” to speak up against the order.
“There is a sense of bewildered fear, which is no way to run any AIIMS institute. At a time when the world and even India is opening up to cutting-edge technology and advancements, we are stuck with these orders which mock our maturity,” said Dr. Kumar.
Senior doctors called the order draconian and said that such “orders are not for a democratic country like India”. “This is one of the most draconian orders by dean of AIIMS-Rishikesh,” said Harjit Singh Bhatti, general secretary of AIIMS-Delhi RDA.
Educational and research institutes like AIIMS see social gatherings being organised for academic purposes, relaxation of students and sometimes to create awareness, said Dr. Bhatti.
“It is a fundamental right to meet and discuss within society. This ruling clearly exploits the fundamental rights of students. There is no clear description as how many students together will be considered a social gathering. If all students gathered for birthday wishes to their fellow student, can it be considered breach of permission? Or if 5-6 students together go for a coffee or tea break, is it also considered a social gathering,” asked Dr. Bhatti.
‘Already under stress’
Doctors added that medical students are already under tremendous stress due to excessive workload and academic pressure and if institutes confine students to only academics and not allow them to meet friends, then incidences of anxiety, depression and even suicides might increase.
“The funny part is that the orders are signed by the dean of students’ welfare. Restrictions of students from social gathering is not welfare, it is slavery,” Dr. Bhatti added.
