CAG Confirms Massive Irregularities at MP Medical University

• CAG flags serious violations at MP’s only medical university in Jabalpur
• Affiliations granted despite missing infrastructure in 32 of 76 inspected colleges
• ₹55.52 crore transferred in violation of rules; ₹98.60 crore endowment funds not deposited
• Thousands of paramedical and nursing students face exam delays, pending results

GG News Bureau
Bhoapl, 24th Feb: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has confirmed widespread irregularities at Madhya Pradesh’s only medical university in Jabalpur, reinforcing concerns raised earlier through media investigations into the state’s nursing and paramedical education system.

The CAG audit, covering 2020 to 2022-23 and tabled in the Assembly, found that Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University failed to maintain transparency in affiliations and student records. Critical data regarding nursing and paramedical colleges was not uploaded on its website, leaving students unable to verify whether their institutions were properly affiliated.

Affiliations Despite Missing Infrastructure
The audit inspected 76 institutions and found serious deficiencies in 32 of them. Despite lacking mandatory infrastructure and resources, these institutions were granted affiliation in violation of prescribed norms.

Madhya Pradesh has over 243 paramedical institutions with nearly 48,000 students enrolled. However, academic sessions have remained disrupted since 2020, with delayed examinations, pending results and incomplete admissions for the 2025 batch.

The report indicates that institutions operated without adequate classrooms, laboratories or faculty, while regulatory oversight remained weak. Thousands of students were enrolled in colleges that did not meet basic academic standards.

Financial Irregularities Flagged
The CAG report also highlighted financial mismanagement. Under existing rules, maintenance funds can be transferred only to affiliated institutions. However, ₹39.69 crore was transferred to MGM Medical College, Indore, and ₹15.83 crore to Jabalpur Medical College, amounting to ₹55.52 crore.

The university defended the transfers as being approved by its Executive Council, but the CAG rejected this justification and directed recovery of the funds.

Additionally, ₹98.60 crore collected as endowment funds from 551 institutions was not deposited properly. The university failed to maintain adequate cash and account records and did not prepare annual accounts, leaving students financially vulnerable if colleges shut down.

Severe Staff Shortage and Outsourcing
Out of 275 approved posts, 184 remained vacant as of 2023. Sixteen key administrative posts, including Rector, Administrative Officer and Finance Officer, have reportedly never been filled since the university’s inception.

Instead, between December 2021 and March 2023, ₹84.19 lakh was paid to an outsourcing agency for hiring personnel, even for posts meant to be filled directly.

The staff shortage has led to prolonged delays in examinations, declaration of results, issuance of mark sheets and processing of affiliations.

Students’ Careers in Limbo
In several districts including Agar-Malwa, Satna and Chhindwara, students reported studying first-year syllabi for nearly three years. In government institutions too, delays persist.

In nursing education, out of 28,560 sanctioned seats, only 17,735 registrations were recorded, with nearly 38 per cent seats vacant. Only eight of 21 government nursing colleges reportedly have recognition.

While MBBS students complete their degrees on schedule, paramedical students in Madhya Pradesh are struggling to finish three-year courses even after five to seven years.

Healthcare Impact
Paramedical and nursing professionals form a critical backbone of the healthcare system. The CAG findings indicate that irregular affiliations, delayed recognition, administrative lapses and financial mismanagement have collectively disrupted the training pipeline.

Experts warn that the prolonged shortage of trained technicians and nurses may directly impact hospital services across Madhya Pradesh, with long-term consequences for patient care.