Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a high-level committee has been constituted to formulate a detailed policy framework regarding granting of autonomy to Nagpur’s Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). There are two other institutions which are also in the list. Those include Grant Government Medical College and Sir J J Group of Hospitals in Mumbai. Fadnavis had sent letter to this regard to Medical Education Secretary in August 2026. But no step was taken till mid-January 2025.

 

‘The Hitavada’ had questioned the delay and published a report on January 19, 2026 and now the committee has been constituted. Former State Chief Secretary Jayant Kumar Banthia has been appointed as the Chairman of this committee. In this regard, the Medical Education and Drugs Department recently issued a Government Resolution. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the Government’s objective, through the granting of autonomy, is to enhance the academic quality, research capabilities, and healthcare delivery of the State’s premier Government medical institutions. The committee comprises the members: Dr Rajendra Badwe (former Director, Tata Memorial Hospital), Dr Sanjay Oak (former Director, KEM Hospital), Dr Ranjit Mankeshwar (Associate Dean, Grant Medical College), Dr Rajesh Karyakarte (Professor and Head of Department, B J Government Medical College, Pune), and the Registrar of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. Additionally, the Registrar of the Maharashtra Medical Council will serve as the Member Secretary of the committee.

 

The committee will undertake a study of the current administrative and academic structures of the State’s Government medical colleges, the necessity of granting autonomous status, the potential benefits involved, as well as successful models implemented both within India and abroad. This study will include a review of the management methodologies adopted by institutions such as AIIMS, PGI Chandigarh, and the Tata Memorial Hospital. The committee will formulate recommendations regarding the composition and powers of the Board of Directors and the Academic Council for autonomous colleges, as well as the powers and responsibilities of the Director/Dean. It will also recommend the necessary financial and administrative mechanisms required to support an autonomous framework. Furthermore, the committee will provide recommendations concerning financial autonomy, internal revenue generation, audit mechanisms, and the formulation of new service conditions and policies for both staff and faculty members. The Committee will also provide guidance to the Government regarding necessary legal, administrative, and policy-related changes.

 

The Committee will undertake tasks such as proposing the delegation of powers in administrative and financial matters aimed at enhancing efficiency while granting autonomy to government educational institutions. It will also recommend mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation, and accountability to ensure the efficient functioning of autonomous institutions, and formulate a framework for the phased implementation of the policy. The Committee is expected to submit a detailed report to the Government within three months. Necessary information and technical assistance will be made available to the Committee through the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER).