Government Action on Allegations of Discrimination and Excessive Duty Hours

Overview of the Issue

New Delhi: The Union Government has acknowledged allegations concerning excessive duty hours and discrimination experienced by a female medical student with disabilities at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). This response follows a representation from the United Doctors Front (UDF), prompting the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, to take action.

Ministry’s Response

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has escalated the matter to the Union Education Ministry and the Union Health Ministry for their review and necessary action. In an Office Memorandum dated November 12, 2025, the Ministry stated, “The undersigned is directed to forward herewith a representation dated November 10, 2025, received from United Doctors Front (UDF) regarding alleged discrimination, harassment, and excessive duty hours being imposed upon Dr. **** (JR-1) and other similarly placed PwD medical students at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), AMU, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.”

Continued Advocacy from UDF

The memorandum further noted that, due to the lack of resolution, the UDF has once again sought intervention. It emphasized that student welfare falls under the purview of the Ministry of Education, thus necessitating their involvement.

Previous Communications

On November 10, 2025, UDF had previously reached out to the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, requesting intervention to address the unauthorized excessive duty hours and discrimination faced by the concerned junior resident doctor. The issue had initially been raised in June, leading to an Office Memorandum issued on July 2, 2025. Despite these efforts, UDF reported ongoing challenges for PwD medical students at JNMC, including long duty hours and a lack of defined protocols to accommodate their specific needs as outlined in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Impact on Students’ Health and Well-being

The UDF highlighted the case of Dr. ***, a junior resident in the Department of Medicine, who has reportedly endured toxic working conditions and multiple 24-hour shifts since joining in February 2025. This situation has reportedly led to significant health issues, including a toe ulcer and diminished overall health. The student, motivated by a desire to honor her late father’s dream of serving as a compassionate doctor, expressed concerns that continued discrimination and excessive hours might force her to leave her residency, further exacerbating her mental health challenges.

Demands for Change

The UDF has urged the Department to ensure JNMC complies with the Office Memorandum dated July 2, 2025, and to provide all entitlements as per Sections 15 and 16 of the RPwD Act, 2016. They have also called for fixed and rational duty hours, along with mandated days off according to the 1992 residency scheme for the affected medical students. The association stressed that if Dr. **** resigns due to the denial of her rights and mistreatment, it should not be accepted by the college, which would instead need to provide her with appropriate support and counseling.

Concerns Over Excessive Working Hours

UDF reported that Dr. **** has consistently worked beyond the recommended hours, which should not exceed 192 hours per month according to established norms. This excessive workload has adversely affected her health, leading her to take casual or sick leave. The UDF has requested that the college adjust her excess duty hours to allow her to continue and be promoted to JR-2.

Legal Actions and Wider Implications

In a related context, the United Doctors’ Front had previously filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court addressing the inhumane working conditions of resident doctors. This legal challenge calls for urgent action to enforce compliance with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s 1992 directives, which limit resident doctors’ working hours to a maximum of 12 hours per day and 48 hours per week.

Conclusion

The ongoing situation at JNMC highlights significant challenges faced by medical students with disabilities, prompting government intervention and advocacy from medical associations. As the case develops, further actions from the relevant ministries and educational institutions will be crucial in addressing the identified issues.