Assessment reports of the medical colleges to be uploaded on the official website of NMC

Appellant sought for the attested photocopy of the completed standard assessment (form A & B) for recognition of MBBS seats for the AY 2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24, submitted by the Principal of the Kanti Devi Medical College Hospital and Research Center Mathura, UP. The appellant stated that the inspectors or assessors of the National Medical Commission physically visit the college campus to prepare the report, after checking whether the medical college has sufficient number of beds, faculty, nurses and infrastructure of hostels, library, lecture halls, playground and hospital. So, the report has all the relevant information crucial for the prospective MBBS students to decide their admission in a particular college. The assessors give their observations to the replies submitted by college authorities and upon preparation of the report, the assessors send one copy to the NMC and one to the College. Based on the observations and recommendations, the NMC decides whether or not to sanction the running of a medical college and grant permission for admissions for the academic year in which assessment is conducted. Hence, the assessment reports are crucial source of information, particularly for aspiring medical students who can verify the infrastructure and faculty of the medical colleges, whether a particular college is fulfilling the prescribed medical education norms or not to and make admission decisions. The Respondent stated that since Under Graduate Medical Board (UGMEB) is not the custodian of the information, the same was sought from concerned Board i.e. Medical Assessment & Rating Board (MARB) and it was intimated that during the said period MARB will not be able to furnish the Assessment Report under NMC Act, 2019. The CIC held that the information sought by the Appellant ought to be disclosed and placed in public domain. In the past that, the CIC has directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to upload infrastructure, faculty and other related information in the form of the assessment reports of the medical colleges on its official website, nmc.org.in, considering the crucial nature of the information.

Comments

Availability of information about the infrastructure and faculty of the colleges helps an aspiring student to compare them to make admission decisions. Information regarding whether a particular college is fulfilling the prescribed education norms or not must be made public as it is essential for every student.

Citation: Shri. R B Gautam v. National Medical Commission, Second Appeal No. CIC/NMCOM/A/2023/669929; Date of Decision: 09.04.2024, 28.08.2025

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com