Draft Amendment Signals Zero-Tolerance Policy on Pressure Tactics
New Delhi: Signalling a strict zero-tolerance stance against external pressure, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed amendments empowering it to outright reject applications from medical colleges found attempting to influence the regulatory process.
In a gazette notification dated February 17, 2026, the Commission proposed changes to the Establishment of Medical Institutions, Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023. The amendment specifically revises Clause 31(h), which addresses attempts to pressurise the regulator during the approval process.
Under the existing provision, any attempt by a medical institution to influence the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) or the NMC through individuals or agencies results in the immediate halt of the processing of its application.
The proposed amendment strengthens this clause by adding the power to reject such applications entirely. The revised provision states that any attempt to pressurise MARB or NMC will lead to either an immediate halt in processing or outright rejection of the application or request submitted by the institution.
This change significantly enhances the authority of the regulator, allowing it to dismiss proposals related to the establishment of new medical colleges, increase of seats, renewals, or recognition if undue influence is detected.
The draft amendments have already been prepared and approved by the competent authority. However, before finalisation, the Commission has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders from the date the Gazette notification was made public.
Once notified, the revised framework will be titled the “Establishment of New Medical Institutions, Assessment & Rating (Amendment) Regulations, 2026.” The changes will come into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.
Earlier, the NMC had issued the gazette notification proposing several additions and deletions to the 2023 regulations governing the establishment of new medical institutions, introduction of new medical courses, seat increases for existing courses, and assessment and rating mechanisms, reinforcing regulatory oversight in medical education.
