40 nursing colleges in Bihar lose Indian Nursing Council recognition over infrastructure, faculty deficiencies

Nalanda: Altogether 40 nursing colleges lost their recognition from the Indian Nursing Council (INC) due to deficiencies, including inadequate infrastructure and unqualified teaching staff found during inspections.

The affected institutions include both government and private nursing colleges offering courses such as ANM, GNM and BSc Nursing. The council took the action under Section 14 of the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947.

Among the affected institutions are three prominent nursing institutes in Nalanda district. The Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences (BMIMS), Pawapuri, which lost its recognition for BSc Nursing course; the Gautam Institute of Nursing at Saiyad Bahri on Chandi-Hilsa Road lost recognition for both its ANM and GNM courses; and the GNM School of Nursing at Sadar Hospital, Chhoti Pahari, Bihar Sharif, is also on the list.

The action has also affected nursing institutions attached to major government medical colleges. These include the GNM nursing institution at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) and the School of Nursing (GNM) at Bhagalpur Medical College Hospital.

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During inspection of these institutions, the council found that several private colleges were operating from just two rooms and some teaching staff did not have the required degrees.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Bihar Nursing Registration Council president Dr Rekha Jha said the institutions can regain recognition after addressing the deficiencies pointed out during the inspection. Once the required standards are met, the colleges can apply for a fresh inspection, following which the INC may restore their recognition.

However, the withdrawal of recognition has put the future of thousands of nursing students in Bihar in uncertainty. Dr Jha said students studying at institutions whose recognition has been cancelled will not be eligible for recruitment in major Central government hospitals, AIIMS and the Railways.

She added that the withdrawal of recognition would also affect students seeking higher education or professional practice abroad. They would also be unable to register with nursing councils in other states and would be excluded from nursing vacancies outside Bihar.

"Such action was taken because institutions were found to be ignoring prescribed standards. The department has taken this action retrospectively. As a result, students obtaining degrees from these institutions will not be eligible for government jobs," Dr Jha said.

Also read- Indian Nursing Council withdraws recognition of over 30 nursing colleges in Bihar, Assam