Colleges under scanner: MGR univ tightens affiliation norms

 Colleges under scanner: MGR univ tightens affiliation norms 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  22.08.2024 

Chennai : Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University has asked teams that inspect medical, dental and paramedical colleges for provisional affiliation to record deficiencies, said vice-chancellor Dr K Narayanasamy. 

The university gives affiliation to institutions for a year. So, every year between June and Aug, the university sends teams of doctors and paramedics to various affiliated colleges to inspect it. “This time we have made it stricter,” he said. Colleges are not told about inspection dates. “Even teams find out which college they are going to only a few hours before inspection,” he said. Teams usually note deficiencies such as lack of buildings, and inadequate human resources or facilities. The college is asked to rectify these defects within a specific period. “Sometimes, these defects aren’t corrected. The team that visits the college next year may not be aware. 

With visual evidence, they can see if colleges have taken corrective measures. University too can decide whether to give them affiliation,” he said. Doctors inspecting medical colleges have been asked to verify facilities and the safety provided to interns and post-graduates in the ward. “They should have toilets, rest ro oms and drinking water at the hospital. The hospital must ensure they reach their hostel safely after night shifts,” Narayanasamy said. 

Colleges must also have auditoriums, libraries, gyms and playgrounds for students as per norms of the respective regulatory bodies, he said. Over the last few years, lack of building approval has been one of the most common problems seen in affiliated colleges. “We will not be able to affiliate colleges that do not have building approvals from the CMDA or respective town planning committees,” he said. Without an affiliation with the state university, medical, dental colleges won’t be able to get approvals from regulatory bodies such as the National Medical Commission or the Dental Council of India. “They will not be able to admit students too,” Narayanasamy said.