Future of many students aspiring for medical education is in jeopardy the Medical Council of India (MCI), the statutory body regulating medical colleges, affiliations of new colleges and registration of doctors, is facing internal troubles again. For the last few days, it is running without an administrative head.

Dr Sanjay Srivastava, who had been serving as secretary for the last ten months, has gone on a leave for three weeks, which is unusual for his position at this time of the year, and sources say he is not likely resume the job. Top sources in the council say that he used to face a hostile atmosphere and some of the board members and even chairman Dr KK Talwar were interfering in the running of affairs of the MCI.

“He was being harassed by board members, especially the chairman of the council. So in a way he has probably given up the job. By March 31, the council had to give clearance to the post-graduation seats of different colleges, and that is why he continued till that date,” a highly placed source told Governance Now.

However, the MCI said that they were not aware of Dr Srivastava move to quit. “We can only tell you that he is on leave for three weeks. We don’t have any information that he has quit the place,” said additional secretary Prasanna Raj.

In fact, the MCI has already started looking for Dr Srivastva’s replacement but there are few takers.  Since nobody with a medical background is willing to take up the difficult task, “the name of an IPS officer of Odisha cadre who is on deputation with the ministry is doing rounds," said an officer who did not wish to be named.

Dr Srivastava, who was working as additional director general of health services in the ministry, was appointed MCI secretary after the termination of Dr Sangeeta Sharma’s services as secretary on March 30 last year – leading to a situation just like this year’s.

“Previously, Dr Srivastava twice tendered his resignation but he was persuaded to continue,” said a senior officer, who also did not wish to be named.

Meanwhile, MCI chairman Dr Talwar has allegedly come under attack from its colleagues. The previous secretary, Dr Sharma and deputy secretary Reena Nayyar had accused him of harassment. Even, one of the board members, Dr Ashok Gupta, had written a letter to the chairman last year urging him treat these officers well.