Keep GMC Principal selection 'apolitical': BJP

Expressing concern over the manner in which the selection of the principal of Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu has become a victim of hectic political lobbying, BJP today called for making the exercise an 'apolitical' exercise.
"We express concern over the manner in which, the post of GMC principal has become a victim of hectic political lobbying, motivated by non-academic considerations", BJP Jammu and Kashmir chief spokesperson and national executive member, Jitendra Singh told reporters here today.
The party has suggested constituting a panel of eminent medical teachers from outside the state, which could make a fair and objective selection, based purely on the criterion of seniority-cum-academic excellence and research credentials of the candidate.

The selection of GMC principal ought to be an 'apolitical' exercise and the council of ministers cannot be competent enough to take a final call on it, Singh said adding, the state government's inability to appoint a new principal for GMC on time, has sent out a very poor message about lack of seriousness with which, the coalition government treats the medical education department.
The GMC is already suffering from an acute shortage of faculty with most of the professors having retired and many of them refusing to accept reemployment, he noted.
If only it was not a government-run medical college, it would have been de-recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI) by now, he said.