Bengaluru: In a paradoxical move, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) is set to award an honorary doctorate to AC Shanmugam, the founder-chancellor of Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital, an institution embroiled in a legal battle with the varsity.
The controversy dates back to 2019 when the Centre and the University Grants Commission (UGC) approved an application to transfer the college from RGUHS to Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, a deemed university in Chennai. RGUHS and the Karnataka government opposed the transfer, arguing that it would lead to a significant loss of medical seats for local students and that the UGC bypassed mandatory procedures by not consulting the state.
The case remains sub judice, with the college currently operating as a constituent institution of Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute. RGUHS officials clarified that the nomination for the honorary doctorate came from the governor's office, leaving them with little say in the matter.
University's Stance
RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Bhagavan BC stated, “It was a decision taken by the committee constituted by the governor. There are three members, of which former VC Sacchidanand was the university’s nominee. We have no role in this beyond nominating a person to the panel.”
Minister's Reaction
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil expressed displeasure over the choice. “This has come to my notice. We have gone to court against the college and they have got a stay. The legal fight is still on. But the government has no say in the selection process of honorary doctorates. All we can do is to initiate processes so that such things don’t happen in future,” he said.
Other Awardees
Apart from Shanmugam, the other recipients include Nailady Sridhar Shetty, former president of the Dental Council of India, and Harshangi Veerbhadrappa, a paediatrician.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
