NHL hostel row widens as probe finds 300+ AC units, raises conflict concerns

What began with allegations of unofficial collections inside Ahmedabad’s NHL Medical College hostels has widened into a larger controversy involving alleged rule violations, illegal air-conditioner installations, suspected cash collections and questions over possible administrative oversight.

The issue first surfaced through a report alleging that students residing in the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC)-run hostel facilities were being made to pay unofficial monthly charges for amenities and accommodation-related arrangements that are not permitted under hostel rules.

Subsequent developments have now intensified scrutiny after an inspection reportedly found more than 300 air-conditioners and coolers installed across hostel premises, raising questions about how such large-scale violations could continue without administrative intervention.

Allegations of unofficial collections inside hostels

According to the initial allegations, hostel regulations prohibit the use of air-conditioners and coolers in student rooms. However, it was alleged that students were being permitted to use such appliances after paying nearly ₹5,000 per month per student.

Similar allegations were also made regarding refrigerators and induction stoves, with claims that money was being collected privately rather than deposited through official government channels.

The allegations extended beyond electrical appliances. Students seeking single-room accommodation, despite existing room-sharing regulations, were allegedly required to pay an additional ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 every month for single occupancy.

Reports also alleged that some former students had continued staying inside hostel premises after making unofficial payments.

Questions over administrative oversight

The allegations have raised questions over hostel administration and monitoring mechanisms.

Hostel management committees reportedly include senior doctors and heads of departments, yet the alleged practices are said to have continued for several months without any corrective action.

Following publication of the initial report on Saturday, notices were reportedly displayed on hostel notice boards stating that no student had lodged any complaint regarding the issue.

The move drew attention as it appeared to reject the allegations even before any detailed inquiry had been completed.

Inspection reportedly finds more than 300 AC units

The controversy deepened after an inspection reportedly identified more than 300 air-conditioners and coolers installed across 494 rooms in both boys’ and girls’ hostels.

Sources claimed that nearly 25 AC units were found on a single floor during the inspection.

Based on allegations that students were being charged ₹5,000 for AC installations, unofficial collections could potentially have exceeded ₹15 lakh every month, according to estimates based on the reported number of installations. However, the figures remain based on allegations and have not been independently confirmed.

Fresh questions emerge during inspection

The inspection reportedly raised additional concerns after a girl identified as Mruganshi was allegedly found residing in the hostel despite reportedly not being a student of the college.

According to sources, she informed the committee that permission to install a cooler had been granted by girls’ hostel rector Komal Madam.

The development added another dimension to the controversy, with questions emerging over hostel access and enforcement of eligibility norms.

Conflict-of-interest concerns surface

Further controversy followed claims involving Assistant Executive Jigna Vegda, who was reportedly associated with the inspection process.

Sources alleged that she is the wife of boys’ hostel rector Ajit Vegda and also serves as a personal assistant to the hostel dean. The reported overlap in roles has led to discussions within committee circles over a possible conflict of interest.

No official statement addressing these claims was immediately available.

Pressure builds for action

With the inspection findings now in focus, pressure is mounting on authorities to initiate administrative and legal action if violations are established.

The controversy has also intensified scrutiny over whether sufficient action was taken despite the reported presence of large numbers of AC units, allegations of unofficial collections and repeated violations of hostel regulations within one of Ahmedabad’s prominent municipal medical institutions.

Questions are also being raised over whether attempts were made to minimise or suppress the issue after the allegations first came to light.