The Maharashtra government's high-level committee, established as part of a major reform initiative, has commenced a detailed study of the functioning of leading autonomous institutions to shape its plan for granting autonomy to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, and Grant Government Medical College in Mumbai.
Committee Composition and Scope
Headed by former chief secretary Jayantkumar Banthia, the panel is examining successful models such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and Tata Memorial Centre, along with select international institutions. The objective is to develop an effective and locally relevant framework for autonomy in the state's government medical colleges (GMCs). In the first phase, GMCH-Nagpur and Grant Government Medical College in Mumbai are likely to receive autonomy.
Background and Directives
The decision follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after which the high-level committee was constituted under Banthia's chairmanship. The panel has been tasked with examining various aspects of autonomy and submitting a comprehensive report to the state government.
Speaking on the development, a committee member noted that this is the first time Maharashtra is implementing autonomy for two government medical colleges and hospitals. He described the subject as broad, sensitive, and complex, but emphasized that the process is progressing in a structured manner.
Key Areas Under Consideration
The committee is holding continuous discussions with officials, including GMCH dean Dr. Raj Gajbhiye and stakeholders from the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). Key areas under consideration include financial powers, administrative independence, academic decision-making, research promotion, and autonomy in patient care services.
The panel is examining how autonomy has impacted institutions across sectors, particularly improvements in efficiency, decision-making processes, financial management, and overall quality. Among the major points being deliberated are granting degree-awarding powers to institutions, flexibility in curriculum design, introduction of new courses, dedicated research funding, and development of advanced healthcare infrastructure. A detailed list of questions has been prepared, and consultations with experts are ongoing.
Process and Timeline
While initial meetings have already taken place, the committee continues its work through online discussions during the summer break. A field visit to GMCH-Nagpur is planned soon to assess local conditions, infrastructure, manpower, academic systems, and patient care facilities.
One member highlighted the uniqueness of GMCH-Nagpur: 'GMCH has a large setup and unmatched cluster of institutions under its ambit. The campus houses a dental college, super speciality hospital and standalone trauma centre, physiotherapy college, nursing college, occupational therapy college. No other government or private institution in Maharashtra has such a wide scope of specialties.'
The member added that the study is likely to be completed in a month, and a report will be submitted to the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER). 'The proposal is likely to be taken up in the monsoon session of the state legislature,' he said.
