Faculty cite existing shortages, raise concerns over impact on students and institutional stability
Pune:
The temporary deputation of 12 senior medical professors—11 from Pune’s renowned B.J. Medical College (BJMC) and one from Government Medical College (GMC) Solapur—to the newly established Punyashlok Ahilyabai Devi Holkar Government Medical College in Baramati has triggered unease and resistance among the faculty.
The decision, outlined in a formal letter signed by Anil Bhandari, Commissioner of Medical Education and AYUSH, was aimed at addressing the critical faculty shortage at the new Baramati medical college, where students have already been admitted.
According to Bhandari, the deputation is temporary, and the existing pay and grade structures of the transferred professors will remain unchanged.
“As per NMC norms, BJMC and GMC Solapur have excess faculty. This temporary transfer is necessary to meet urgent staffing needs at Baramati. We are also recruiting new staff via MPSC soon. However, we will consider the professors’ objections,” Bhandari told TOI.
BJMC Faculty Raises Objections
Despite the assurance, the move has been met with strong opposition at BJMC. Several senior faculty members—including heads and associate professors from key departments like gynaecology, internal medicine, surgery, paediatrics, orthopaedics, microbiology, and anatomy—have expressed dissatisfaction.
BJMC Dean Dr. Eknath Pawar confirmed that he has not yet relieved the deputed professors.
“I have not received any formal communication so far. The professors met me and shared their concerns. We, too, face faculty shortages, and if they leave, it will impact our students,” he said.
In contrast, GMC Solapur Dean Dr. R.D. Jaykar stated that the single deputed professor from his college has already been relieved.
Professors Request Rollback, Cite Longstanding Service
On Tuesday, the deputed BJMC professors submitted a letter to the commissioner’s office requesting a rollback of the transfer order, citing both personal and institutional challenges.
Some professors highlighted the unfairness of the selection, noting that others with similar seniority were not asked to move. One senior faculty member said he was even considering resignation if forced to shift.
“We’ve invested years building our departments and careers here. A sudden transfer to a new, underdeveloped college disrupts everything,” said one of the affected professors, speaking to TOI.
The development has also raised broader concerns about how established medical institutions like BJMC are being tapped to compensate for staffing gaps in newer colleges.
As the government works to expand medical education infrastructure in Maharashtra, questions remain over balancing that growth without compromising the functioning of legacy institutions.
