Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – The King George’s Medical University (KGMU) staff have deferred a planned boycott of morning outpatient department (OPD) services. The boycott, scheduled to begin on January 14 , was postponed following assurances from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Chief Minister Adityanath promised “prompt and appropriate action” concerning a recent incident of violence and vandalism on the university campus. This assurance led KGMU staff bodies to halt their protest.
Boycott Details and Demands
KGMU’s Teachers’ Association, Employees’ Council, and Nursing Council had collectively decided to boycott morning OPD services. This decision stemmed from the lack of an official First Information Report (FIR) regarding alleged violence and damage. The incident occurred at the Vice Chancellor’s office on January 9 .
The proposed boycott aimed to pressure authorities to register an FIR and initiate a fair investigation into the campus unrest. Thousands of patients rely on KGMU’s OPD services daily. The planned disruption would have significantly impacted healthcare access in the region.
Chief Minister’s Intervention
KGMU Vice Chancellor Sonia Nityanand met with Chief Minister Adityanath on Tuesday. She also held discussions with the Chief Secretary and the Principal Secretary (Home). During these meetings, Vice Chancellor Nityanand briefed state officials on the campus violence and staff grievances.
Chief Minister Adityanath described the January 9 incident as “serious.” He explicitly assured that “necessary action would be taken expeditiously.” This high-level intervention addressed a key demand from the protesting staff unions.
Decision to Defer
A university statement confirmed the deferment. “In view of the assurance given by the chief minister and keeping the interests of patients in mind, the decision to boycott OPD services has been postponed,” the statement read. The deferment was made at the request of the Vice Chancellor.
As a result, morning OPD services at KGMU will function normally on January 14 . This ensures continued patient care without interruption.
Background to Campus Unrest
The incident on January 9 involved alleged acts of violence and vandalism within the Vice Chancellor’s office. This event triggered widespread resentment among KGMU employees. Staff members have consistently demanded immediate registration of an FIR and a transparent investigation into the alleged misconduct.
The unrest at KGMU followed an earlier visit by Uttar Pradesh Women’s Commission Vice Chairperson Aparna Yadav. During her visit, some individuals identified as her supporters allegedly misbehaved with KGMU staff. Employees reported these incidents, fueling the subsequent campus tension.
Unrelated Case: Doctor Arrested for Sexual Exploitation
KGMU has also faced heightened scrutiny regarding a separate, unrelated case. Police recently arrested a junior resident doctor from the university. The doctor faces serious charges of sexual exploitation and forced religious conversion involving a colleague.
This case, though distinct from the campus violence, has added to the university’s challenges. It underscores broader concerns about safety and conduct within the institution.
University’s Action in Sexual Exploitation Case
KGMU initiated an internal inquiry into the sexual exploitation allegations. This investigation included a report from the Vishakha Committee, a body constituted to address sexual harassment complaints. The inquiry found the allegations to be prima facie true.
Following these findings, the university decided to expel the accused doctor from his MD course. Vice Chancellor Nityanand also informed the Chief Minister about the university’s decisive actions in this particular case. This demonstrates the university’s commitment to addressing serious misconduct.
Ongoing Investigations
Law enforcement authorities continue investigations into both matters. Police are gathering evidence and pursuing leads related to the January 9 campus violence and vandalism. Separately, they are also investigating the charges against the junior resident doctor.
KGMU officials are cooperating with police to ensure justice in both instances. The university aims to restore normalcy and maintain a safe environment for its staff and students.