Principals Seek Parental Vigilance in Medical Colleges

Junior doctors’ associations, meanwhile, have called for strict vigilance to prevent seniors from entering junior hostels and engaging in ragging.

Several principals told Deccan Chronicle they are often informed orally about minor disturbances or instances where seniors ask juniors to perform tasks. In such cases, college authorities usually counsel the seniors and instruct them not to indulge in such activities.

However, many principals said parents should not wait until their children face a problem before visiting the institution. They suggested periodic visits and interaction with professors and principals. While some may question the need for such involvement when students are pursuing professional courses, officials believe parental engagement can help instil discipline and monitor behavioural changes as students progress.

One principal said the college follows a mentor‑mentee programme in which an assistant professor is assigned to a group of 10 junior students. Every three months, the faculty member interacts with the students to understand their concerns, academic progress and difficulties. Since juniors may hesitate to approach principals or senior administrators directly, assistant professors act as the first point of contact.

Referring to the recent ragging case in Government Dental College, sources and junior doctors’ associations pointed out that only six parents attended a meeting convened by the college authorities, while several others were reportedly unaware of their children’s activities. Officials noted that in many cases students do not inform parents about academic failures or disciplinary issues.

Regarding hostel safety, junior doctors suggested that where separate hostel buildings are available for juniors, heads of institutions should direct security personnel not to allow anyone other than authorised junior students into those buildings or rooms, thereby reducing opportunities for ragging and harassment.