A ‘controversial’ order issued by the State government has struck fear among nursing college administrations in the State as their recognition has been withdrawn by the Indian Nursing Council. This means that they could lose all their students who sought admission.
In December 2016, two controversial orders were issued in which it was stated that nursing council approval was not required for State nursing colleges. The order said that approval by the Karnataka Nursing College and the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences was sufficient. Consequently, the council withdrew approval for around 257 colleges in Karnataka.
The effect this had on students is shocking. In the absence of recognition, degrees granted by State nursing colleges would not be recognised outside Karnataka. Students are also facing problems applying for educational loans as the Indian Nursing Council recognition is absent for these colleges.
Faced with students choosing to withdraw their admissions, the management of several colleges met State Medical Education Minister Sharanprakash R. Patil and submitted a memorandum to withdraw the government orders. “90% of the students are from other States and they will not be able to find employment back home. Even local students will not be able to head out of the State for jobs,” said Vinu Thomas, General Secretary of the Karnataka Pravasi Congress, who led the delegation.
The controversy also attracted the attention of former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah requesting him to rescind the orders. After receiving the memorandum on Wednesday, Dr. Patil said he would look into the matter.
