Gurgaon: Haryana govt has ordered four state-run medical colleges to release the original documents of MBBS graduates who cleared NEET-PG, secured postgraduate seats and feared losing their admissions because their certificates were held back under the state’s bond policy.The directive comes a day after TOI reported that around 300 doctors had sought urgent intervention, with the Nov 2 deadline for physical verification of originals fast approaching.The order allows eligible graduates to pursue MD and MS courses while retaining their obligation to serve in the state’s public health system. It covers students from PGIMS Rohtak, BPS Govt Medical College in Sonipat, Kalpana Chawla Govt Medical College in Karnal and SHKM Govt Medical College in Nalhar, Nuh.The dispute arose because colleges had retained not only permanent MBBS degrees but also mark sheets, internship records, character and attempt certificates, and registration documents. Graduates argued that the bond policy allowed govt to withhold only their permanent degree, which could be substituted with a provisional one. The absence of other originals, they feared, could prevent them from completing the medical counselling committee’s physical verification for All India Quota seats.In its latest communication, the medical education and research department said it had received representations from graduates and Indian Medical Association seeking release of documents, jobs under the bond policy and clarity on service obligations. The policy, notified on Dec 21, 2022, applies to students admitted to govt medical colleges from 2020-21 and govt-aided institutions from 2022-23. The 2020-21 batch is the first covered, with 595 doctors becoming available for bond service from March 2026.So, what happens after the documents are released?Govt has laid down separate procedures depending on where a graduate has secured a postgraduate seat. Those admitted to institutions within Haryana will have their documents transferred between colleges through special messengers. They must give an undertaking to complete their remaining govt service within three months of finishing their PG course.Those pursuing higher studies outside the state will receive their originals after signing an undertaking to return their MBBS degree and other academic certificates to their respective colleges within three weeks of completing their PG degree or diploma. They, too, must join the remaining service within three months.Crucially, the prescribed two or three years spent pursuing postgraduate education, depending on the course, will count towards the five-year bond. Graduates will therefore have to serve only the balance period after completing their higher studies.The policy was introduced to ensure doctors serve in public institutions rather than move straight into private practice. It requires five years of public service or payment of the applicable service incentive bond amount.The state govt has now also initiated contractual appointments for 595 eligible graduates. They will be asked to choose between joining govt service and opting out by paying the bond amount in a lump sum or instalments. Health department appointment letters will follow, with postings through a merit-cum-choice process. Those who cannot be accommodated against available vacancies may be considered for appointments in govt medical colleges.The directorate of medical education and research has asked the four colleges to collect details of the 2020-21 batch, including candidates’ choices and consent under clause 5.A.2, and submit them by Nov 2, 5pm. Director and dean offices must remain open on holidays to complete the exercise. An action-taken report is due to govt by Nov 3, noon. Any request received by a college or DMER must be decided within two days.Graduates had earlier said govt had time till Feb 2027 to fulfil its employment obligation. They also raised concerns about vacancies in govt hospitals, pointing out that the promised recruitment portal had not been created nine months after graduation and that HCMS recruitment had reduced available vacancies.
