Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Amid the ongoing dispute between Dr Alka Gupta and Dr Sandhya Jain over the principal’s post, 26 faculty members of the Government Dental College have called on the state government to fill the vacancy through the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC).
In a joint letter, the teachers expressed frustration over administrative confusion caused by Dr Gupta and Dr Jain acting as principals due to differing interpretations of a High Court order.
They emphasised that the principal’s post is a promotional position and should be filled either through the DPC process or by appointing the senior-most faculty member as per Dental Council of India (DCI) guidelines.
The faculty members pointed out that the DPC process has been neglected for years, with the last four principals serving only in an acting capacity. This has affected the institution’s decorum and undermined seniority protocols.
The teachers also raised concerns about the college’s reputation, being the state’s only government dental college. They urged the Medical Education Department and the state government to act swiftly to avoid further legal complications and ensure fair and transparent appointments.
Teachers, staff divided in two camps
Professors, students, and staff at the Dental College are now split into two camps amid an ongoing power struggle between Dr Jain and Dr Gupta for the principal’s post. The college has turned into a political battleground, with both contenders asserting control and trying to run the institution according to their own agendas.
Department heads have also taken sides, with some openly supporting their preferred candidate, while others quietly hedge their bets. Clerks and sweepers face the greatest pressure as both factions demand their allegiance. “We work for whoever sits in the principal’s chair,” said a clerk.
