Shiksha Poll Reveals 47% Support for NMC’s 3-Year Rotatory Headship Proposal in Medical Colleges

The poll, which attracted 2,053 votes, was conducted following Shiksha’s detailed report on the NMC draft proposal. The policy, which is open for stakeholder feedback until July 7, 2025

A growing debate is unfolding in India’s medical education sector over the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) recent proposal to introduce a three-year rotatory headship model for departments in medical colleges. A recent poll conducted by Shiksha, one of India’s leading education platforms, shows that 47% of respondents support the move, while 22% oppose it, and 31% remain undecided.

The poll, which attracted 2,053 votes, was conducted following Shiksha’s detailed report on the NMC draft proposal. The policy, which is open for stakeholder feedback until July 7, 2025, proposes that Heads of Departments (HoDs) in both government and private medical institutions should hold office for a maximum of three years on a rotational basis.

What the NMC Is Proposing

According to the NMC’s draft, the new system aims to decentralise administrative power, foster leadership rotation, and ensure equal opportunities for qualified senior faculty. Under this model:

• The HoD role would rotate every three years.

• Eligibility would be based on seniority and academic merit.

• Professors and Associate Professors with the requisite experience would be considered.

• After completing a term, a faculty member would not be immediately reappointed, ensuring that the position circulates among others in the department.

The NMC’s proposal is grounded in the idea that long-standing headship positions may create administrative stagnation and hinder the emergence of fresh leadership perspectives.

Mixed Reactions in the Academic Community

The Shiksha poll results highlight a diverse set of opinions on the proposal. While nearly half of the respondents welcomed the idea, seeing it as a step toward greater inclusivity and meritocracy, a sizeable minority remained apprehensive or uncertain.

Faculty members and administrators who support the idea argue that rotating leadership roles can:

• Prevent departmental monopolies

• Encourage fresh thinking and collaborative governance

• Improve transparency and accountability

However, those opposed have expressed concerns over:

• Disruption in academic continuity

• Inconsistencies in long-term planning

• Frequent administrative transitions affecting departmental goals

A senior medical educator commenting on the poll said, “Leadership in medical departments involves not just academic excellence but also administrative experience. Frequent changes may impact quality if not backed by proper support systems.”

The original story on the proposal, published by Shiksha earlier this month, outlined key provisions and invited readers to respond with their views. The strong response indicates that the policy has caught the attention of educators, students, and administrators alike.

What Lies Ahead

With the deadline for feedback approaching on July 7, 2025, medical colleges, faculty associations, and other stakeholders are expected to submit formal opinions to the NMC. The commission will review these inputs before finalising the policy.