Ranjitha Panicker of Kumaranallur opted for BSc Nursing at the Gandhi Nagar Centre of the University College of Nursing under the MG University (MGU), as she was unable to meet the huge financial burden of studying in a self-financing college. However, her hopes were shattered when the University failed to ensure a seat for her. In addition, private colleges had already closed the admission processes by the time she was searching for alternatives. Adding to the dilemma, a decision made by the Kerala Nursing Council (KNC) to tighten guidelines for granting recognition to nursing colleges in the state during the 2013-14 academic year has put admission processes to eight University Colleges of Nursing under MGU in a spot.
In a letter dated August 1, KNC had informed the University that “the council had resolved not to accord sanction to the BSc, Post Basic BSc and MSc courses to eight University Colleges of Nursing under MGU until deficiencies are satisfactorily rectified on a permanent and regular basis, as per the norms and standards prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council (INC).”
Though the KNC decided to spare the existing batches of students from the ambit of the new decision, the sudden move jeopardises the prospects of filling 468 nursing seats. KNC had earlier lashed out at University authorities for their alleged apathy towards maintaining INC norms and standards. According to KNC authorities, they were forced to take the step, as the University failed to maintain the requisite standards. Out of the 14 nursing colleges in Kerala, which were served notices, eight are MGU’s University Colleges of Nursing. While four colleges made the requisite upgrades and gained back recognition, the eight colleges are still to make a move in this direction.
“Facilities in the University Colleges, especially faculty strength and practical facilities, are very poor. Some of the centres do not even have a qualified principal. We have received a number of complaints from the public against these malfunctioning centres. We will respond positively, if they decide to enhance basic facilities, including appointing adequate professors,” said Professor Latha R, KNC registrar.
She pointed out that even though MGU had commenced nursing courses way back in 1994, they have yet to ensure basic facilities. “Even after revoking the recognition of four University Colleges in the previous year, University admitted students to one of its centres in Manimalakunnu”, she said. The 40 students who made the mistake of joining there after paying annual fees of `78,000 may not get recognised by the KNC. MG University VC Dr A V George said the University has formed a sub-panel to look into the matter. “An emergency syndicate meeting will be convened on Saturday to discuss the issue”, he said.