Rotatory headship demand heats up at Rohtak PGIMS

After AIIMS-Delhi and the PGIMS-Chandigarh, now the long-standing demand for implementing the rotatory headship system is gaining momentum at Pt BD Sharma PGIMS-Rohtak.

The doctors at the institute are mobilising support through a signature campaign to press the university administration for action. The collected signatures are expected to accompany a memorandum, likely to be submitted to Dr HK Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences Rohtak (UHSR), on Friday.

The campaign supporters claim that resentment prevails among faculty members, as the UHSR authorities continue to delay implementation of the policy, even though the executive council has already approved it.

This development comes at a time when the National Medical Commission (NMC) recently proposed a similar policy, recommending a three-year headship tenure in medical colleges for eligible faculty members based on seniority and postgraduate medical qualifications.

“A resolution to implement rotatory headship at the PGIMS, PGIDS, and other government or government-aided medical and dental colleges was passed by the UHSR executive council on September 9, 2019. The proposal was subsequently assented to by the Governor-cum-Chancellor of the university on September 18, 2019,” claimed a senior doctor on condition of anonymity.

He added that the policy for rotatory headship was yet to be enforced despite the Chancellor’s approval and an amendment to Statute 31 of the UHSR Act, 2008 relating to the appointment of heads of departments.

“The delay in implementing this long-pending and duly approved decision has created unrest among the faculty members. Given their dedication and contribution to the institution’s growth, it is only fair that their expectations be met in a timely and just manner,” the doctor added.

Another faculty member emphasised that every eligible faculty member should have the opportunity to lead their department. Implementing the rotatory headship system promotes fairness, prevents concentration of power, and brings diverse perspectives into leadership roles. “When the rotatory headship is already a provision in all state universities, why is this policy not being implemented at the UHSR?,” he questioned. Those associated with the campaign have warned of launching an agitation if the authorities fail to act. Faculty members argue that despite repeated appeals over the years, their demand has been ignored. When contacted, Dr HK Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of the UHSR, said, “Sofar, no faculty member has approached me regarding the demand for rotatory headship, so I cannot comment on it at this stage.”