Protest intensifies over naming of medical college

The ongoing row over the naming of Maharshi Chavan Government Medical College in Koriawas village here escalated on Monday when a group of villagers allegedly damaged the college signage and also staged a dharna by erecting a tent outside the campus. The protesters were demanding that the college be renamed after Rao Tula Ram. Notably, the OPD services at the college were started on May 1.

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Meanwhile, a complaint has been submitted to the police seeking action against those involved in damaging government property. However, no FIR was registered till the filing of the report.

“Rao Tula Ram was a prominent freedom fighter from this region who played a vital role in the Indian Rebellion of 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 sarpanch of Koriawas village.

He claimed that the gram panchayat had provided 80 acres free of cost for the establishment of the medical college and therefore, the college should have been named in consultation with the panchayat and village residents. However, the government did not do so and instead named it after Maharshi Chawan, which has led to deep resentment among villagers, he added.

“We have started an indefinite dharna from 9 am to 6 pm daily and will continue until the college is renamed after Rao Tula Ram. This is a decisive battle and we will not back down under any circumstances. We also plan to mobilise support from nearby villages to strengthen our movement,” Nonihal added.

Dr Pawan Kumar Goyal, director of the college, told The Tribune that the institution had been named after Maharshi Chawan long ago. “Now, some people are demanding the name be changed and, in protest, damaged the college signage this morning,” he said.

“Although security guards are deployed on the premises, they were unable to stop the protesters due to their large numbers. We have lodged a formal complaint with the police, requesting action against those responsible for the damage,” Dr Goyal added.

Sub-Inspector Dharambir, SHO, Sadar Police Station, Narnaul, said a complaint had been received regarding the incident. “Appropriate action will be taken in the matter,” he added.