Assam college under fire over advisory with 'misogynistic undertones'
Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam has come under fire for issuing an advisory asking female doctors, students, and staff to avoid going out in deserted, dimly lit, and sparsely populated areas at night. The advisory was issued following the recent rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
Advisory urges women to avoid being alone
The advisory, which was signed by the institute's principal Dr. Bhaskar Gupta, urged women to avoid situations where they are alone and to refrain from leaving hostels or lodging rooms at night unless absolutely necessary. It also advised against venturing off-campus during late or unusual hours and associating with strangers or persons of suspicious nature. The advisory further suggested that all hostel residents should follow the rules and regulations set by the institute.
Advisory faces criticism for being 'misogynistic'
The advisory has been met with severe criticism from students and on social media platforms, with many labeling it as "misogynistic." Students argued that instead of advising them to stay in their rooms, authorities should improve security arrangements on campus. The Junior Doctors's Association (JDS) of SMCH also condemned the advisory as disturbing. They issued a notice demanding proper lighting in the hospital, enhanced security measures, dedicated washroom facilities, and security outside doctors' rooms.
'We face eve-teasing from male staff, attendants'
A female doctor anonymously revealed that they often face eve-teasing and vulgar words from male staff and attendants. Despite highlighting this issue several times, no changes have been made. She expressed her disappointment at being advised to stay in their rooms instead of being provided with proper security. Similary, the president of JDS, Salman Choudhary, stated that they have been highlighting security issues at SMCH campus for a long time but these concerns have not been addressed.
SMCH Principal responds to criticism
In response to the backlash, Dr. Gupta stated on Tuesday night that they wanted to prevent any untoward incident and ensure safety. He later informed that the authorities would withdraw the existing advisory and issue a fresh one. The Kolkata post-graduate trainee doctor was found murdered in the hospital's seminar hall last week. The autopsy revealed she was raped and tortured, with injuries to several body parts and evidence of "genital torture."
