New Delhi: Chief minister Rekha Gupta on Monday directed the officials concerned to carry out immediate renovation of hostels at Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and launch a special drive to remove encroachments from the campus.The instructions were issued after the students of the medical college met the chief minister at the Delhi secretariat and discussed the issues plaguing the campus. Officials said the discussion focused on key concerns such as the dilapidated condition of hostels, campus security, poor lighting, shortage of security personnel, illegal encroachments and the need to ensure a fear-free environment for students. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the health and public works departments, college administration and student union representatives.Last week, lieutenant governor VK Saxena chaired a meeting, along with the chief minister and health minister Pankaj Singh, to review the security and other infrastructure issues in the medical college and three associated hospitals—Lok Nayak, GB Pant and Guru Nanak Eye Centre. The major issues discussed in the meeting included an acute shortage of accommodation and security concerns among the students and doctors.On Monday, the chief minister listened to the students’ issues and directed the officials to take immediate and concrete measures. Students highlighted the poor condition of hostel walls and ceilings, which posed a risk to life and safety, and the lack of adequate lighting during night hours. The women students particularly raised concerns over the shortage of security guards, insufficient facilities and an unsafe environment.Expressing deep concern over the state of MAMC hostels, Gupta said that the seven hostels built between 1966 and 1990 were designed for only 1,200 students, but more than 3,200 were currently residing in “extremely cramped and substandard” conditions with eight beds in a room, shared cupboards, and no provision for basic amenities like study tables. She accepted that the situation was “gravely concerning” and held the previous govts accountable for “severe negligence”.“I am shocked at the irresponsibility of the previous educated govts. It’s appalling to see the poor state of such a prestigious institution like Maulana Azad Medical College and the condition of the students studying here,” she said, directing the officials to immediately begin repair and renovation work of the hostels, installation of high-intensity LED street lights across the campus to enhance night-time safety, 24×7 CCTV surveillance, and increased deployment of security personnel to strengthen overall security.She also directed PWD to expedite plans for an additional hostel which has been pending for a long time. Gupta directed officials to submit progress reports every 15 days to ensure regular monitoring and accountability.AAP, however, claimed its govt “revolutionised” Delhi’s healthcare system, which earned global recognition. “Ever since BJP came to power, their only mission has been to dismantle this success. Instead of improving public health infrastructure, they are hell-bent on undermining it. All BJP knows is how to find faults, spread negativity and tear down what works,” AAP said in a statement.
