Delhi Govt to take over UCMS, faces backlash from DU faculty
Starting April 1, 2025, the University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), currently administered by Delhi University (DU), will come under the full administrative and financial control of the Delhi Government. The newly elected BJP-led Delhi government has instructed DU to denotify UCMS from its list of institutions and dissolve its executive council.
A directive issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department on March 18 also mandated the Finance Department to immediately allocate Rs 100 crore to the college. However, the decision has sparked strong opposition from DU teachers and academic bodies.
The Indian National Teachers’ Congress (INTEC) has raised objections, calling the government’s move a violation of DU’s statutes and ordinances. Prof Pankaj Garg, chairman of INTEC, expressed concerns, stating, “Affiliation or de-affiliation of an institution is strictly a matter between the University and its colleges. As a Central University, DU operates under the jurisdiction of central educational policies. Any takeover of UCMS is detrimental to its faculty, staff and students.”
Teachers have also criticised the government for neglecting ongoing issues in the 12 Delhi Government-funded DU colleges, such as salary delays, pending arrears and poor infrastructure.
They urged the government to prioritise resolving these issues and focus on building new campuses for Aditi Mahavidyalaya, Bhagini Nivedita College and Aurobindo College, instead of pursuing what they described as an “illegal” takeover of UCMS.
UCMS was established in 1971, initially operating from Delhi University’s chemistry block, with clinical classes held at LLRM Medical College, Meerut. It later moved to Safdarjung Hospital in 1973 and then to Dilshad Garden in 1986, aligning with Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital (GTBH). However, its dual governance structure has long been contentious, as UCMS is funded by the Ministry of Education through the UGC, while GTBH is managed by the Delhi Government.
With Delhi University faculty and academic bodies urging the university to reject the Delhi Government’s directive, the future of UCMS remains uncertain, with concerns over its academic and administrative stability mounting.
