Protest intensifies over naming of medical college

The row over the naming of Maharshi Chavan Government Medical College at Koriawas village here escalated on Monday, when a group of villagers allegedly damaged the college signage and staged a dharna outside the campus. They were demanding that the college be renamed after Rao Tula Ram.

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The OPD services at the college commenced on May 1.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been submitted to the police, seeking action against those involved in damaging government property. However, no FIR has been registered so far.

“Rao Tula Ram was a prominent freedom fighter from this region and played a vital role in the first war of Independence in 1857. He is remembered as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and regional pride in Haryana’s history. That is why we want the medical college to be named after him,” said Nonihal Singh, whose daughter-in-law, Monika Yadav, is the village sarpanch.

He claimed that the gram panchayat had provided 80 acres free of cost for the establishment of the college, and therefore, it should have been named in consultation with the panchayat and village residents.

“We have started an indefinite dharna from 9 am to 6 pm daily, and will continue until the college is renamed. We also plan to mobilise support from nearby villages to strengthen our movement,” he added.

Dr Pawan Kumar Goyal, Director of the medical college, told 'The Tribune' that the institution had been named after Maharshi Chavan long ago. “Now, some people are demanding the name be changed. Though guards are deployed at the college, they were unable to stop the protesters due to their large numbers. We have lodged a complaint with the police,” he said.

SI Dharambir, SHO, Sadar police station, Narnaul, said a complaint had been received and action would be taken.