HRDA alleges MNR Medical College forcing PG students to return stipends

HRDA Telangana has alleged that PG medical students at MNR Medical College are being forced to return a large portion of their stipend. The association has sought an independent inquiry and protection for students from retaliation

Hyderabad: Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), Telangana, on Friday alleged that the management of MNR Medical College, Sangareddy, was using coercive tactics to pressure postgraduate medical students into returning a part of their stipend money and signing undertakings stating that the medical college is providing them regular stipends, as per NMC regulations.

In a representation submitted to the Registrar, Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (KNRUHS), on Friday, HRDA urged the authorities to initiate an independent and time-bound inquiry into the matter. It alleged that PG students were being forced to return 75 per cent to 85 per cent of their monthly stipend money, which is about Rs 45,000, in cash to the management.

---

The HRDA demanded that KNRUHS ensure protection of affected students from any form of retaliation or victimisation. “Authorities must disregard any declarations or statements obtained under coercion during the course of the investigation. Take stringent disciplinary action against the institution if the allegations are substantiated,” it said.

According to the complaint, cash collections were being enforced within a timeline of on or before April 28, without any documentation, in an apparent attempt to bypass regulatory oversight. Students were reportedly forced to open accounts in a specific bank, where stipends are credited only to be immediately withdrawn and handed back in cash. In addition, signed cheques were allegedly being collected from students and used as a tool of coercion, HRDA said.