Nagpur: As part of a major reform initiative, the high-level committee set up by Maharashtra govt has started studying the functioning of leading autonomous institutions to shape its plan for granting autonomy to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, and Grant Govt Medical College in Mumbai.Led by former chief secretary Jayantkumar Banthia, the panel is examining successful models such as AIIMS, PGI-Chandigarh, IISc and Tata Memorial Centre, along with select international institutions. The aim is to develop an effective and locally relevant framework for autonomy in the state’s GMCs. In the first phase, GMCH-Nagpur and Grant Govt Medical College in Mumbai are likely to get autonomy.The decision follows directives from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, after which the high-level committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Banthia. The panel has been tasked with examining various aspects of autonomy and submitting a comprehensive report to the state govt.Speaking on the development, one of the members said that this is the first time Maharashtra is implementing autonomy for two govt medical colleges and hospitals. He described the subject as broad, sensitive, and complex, but noted that the process is progressing in a structured manner.The committee is holding continuous discussions with officials, including GMCH dean Dr Raj Gajbhiye and stakeholders from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). Key areas under consideration include financial powers, administrative independence, academic decision-making, research promotion, and autonomy in patient care services.The committee is studying the functioning of leading autonomous institutions in India, and international models are also being reviewed to develop an effective framework suited to Maharashtra.The panel is also examining how autonomy has impacted institutions across sectors — particularly improvements in efficiency, decision-making processes, financial management, and overall quality.Among the major points being deliberated are granting degree-awarding powers to institutions, flexibility in curriculum design, introduction of new courses, dedicated research funding, and development of advanced healthcare infrastructure. A detailed list of questions has been prepared, and consultations with experts are ongoing.While initial meetings have already taken place, the committee continues its work through online discussions during the summer break. A field visit to GMCH- Nagpur is planned soon to assess local conditions, infrastructure, manpower, academic systems and patient care facilities.“GMCH has a large setup and unmatched cluster of institutions under its ambit. The campus houses a dental college, super speciality hospital and standalone trauma centre, physiotherapy college, nursing college, occupational therapy college. No other govt or private institution in Maharashtra has such a wide scope of specialties,” the member said.The member added that the study is likely to be completed in a month, and a report will be submitted to DMER. “The proposal is likely to be taken up in the monsoon session of state legislature,” he said.
