Date: 2026-05-07Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the media report about nineteen female students contracting Tuberculosis in the hostel of the MGMSC Nursing College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken *suo motu* cognizance of a media report regarding nineteen female students who contracted tuberculosis (TB) at the hostel of the MGMSC Nursing College in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
The media report, published on May 2, 2026, followed two institutional inspections conducted on March 31 and April 17, 2026. These inspections revealed serious management deficiencies and a lack of corrective measures by authorities, which reportedly led to the outbreak. Key issues highlighted include:
* **Living Conditions:** Overcrowded, damp, and unhygienic environments with severely inadequate sanitation.
* **Nutrition:** Poor food quality lacking basic nutritional value.
* **Labor and Wellness:** Students were allegedly denied rest during illness and forced to work as "hospital staff," including on holidays.
The Commission observed that these allegations, if verified, constitute a significant violation of human rights. Consequently, the NHRC has issued a formal notice to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Himachal Pradesh, demanding a detailed report on the situation within two weeks.
**Metadata and Reference Information:**
* **Location:** Shimla, Himachal Pradesh / PIB Delhi
* **Release Date:** May 7, 2026, 5:11 PM
* **Release ID:** 2258758
* **Visitor Counter:** 112
* **Case Metric:** 19 female students infected with TB.
Key Entities Referenced
Chief Secretary, Government of Himachal Pradesh: The key state official issued a notice by the NHRC to provide a detailed report on the incident and corrective measures taken.
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The constitutional body that took suo motu cognizance of potential human rights violations regarding the health and living conditions of students.
MGMSC Nursing College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: The specific educational institution and location where female students reportedly contracted Tuberculosis due to inadequate hostel sanitation and overcrowding.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the
media report about nineteen female students
contracting Tuberculosis in the hostel of the
MGMSC Nursing College, Shimla, Himachal
Pradesh
Reportedly, the students at the hostel face overcrowded,
damp and unhygienic living conditions with severely
inadequate sanitation
The Commission issues a notice to the state Chief Secretary,
calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks
Posted On: 07 MAY 2026 5:11PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media
report that nineteen female students were infected with tuberculosis in the hostel of the MGMSC Nursing
College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Reportedly, during two recent inspections of the premises, serious
deficiencies were observed in the management of the hostel, including sanitation and overall institutional
functioning. However, no corrective measures were taken by the authorities, resulting in the students
contracting tuberculosis.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the media report, if true, raise a serious issue of
violation of human rights. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of
Himachal Pradesh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
The media report, carried on 02nd May 2026, has highlighted several shortcomings based on the two
inspections of the institutions held on 31st March and 17th April 2026. The students at the hostel face
overcrowded, damp and unhygienic living conditions with severely inadequate sanitation. Food quality is
poor and lacks basic nutrition. They are reportedly denied rest during illness and forced to work as
“hospital staff” even on holidays.
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NSK
(Release ID: 2258758) Visitor Counter : 112
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