Maharashtra Cabinet approval to set up 6 new nursing colleges with 100 seats each

Maharashtra- With an aim to bolster healthcare education, the Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has decided to set up six government nursing colleges.

These new government nursing colleges will be affiliated with the existing government medical colleges at Jalgaon, Latur, Baramati, Sangli (Miraj), Nandurbar and Gondia. Each college will have a capacity of 100 students.

The establishment of these nursing colleges is a part of the increasing spread of infectious diseases in the state and the country initiative. Hence, the government is trying to make significant changes in the paramedical curriculum.

According to a Times of India media news report, the estimated cost for the first four years will be Rs 173.8 crore and from the fifth year onwards, an annual allocation of around Rs 14 crore will be provided to these new six government nursing colleges.

Further, an estimated cost of Rs 32.9 crore has been approved for construction, furniture, machinery, manpower and daily recurring expenditure for each nursing college. On the other hand, the expected cost and recurring expenditure for the construction of nursing colleges in Jalgaon, Latur, Baramati and Sangli (Miraj) is approximately Rs 107.9 crore.

Meanwhile, the Central Government will also play an important role. It will contribute 60% of the funds under the scheme ‘augmenting nursing education- establishment of new colleges of nursing in co-location with medical colleges’ and the remaining funds will be provided by the State. A contribution of 60% of the funds will be required to establish nursing colleges in Nandurbar and Gondia, Maharashtra. Along with this, the nursing colleges of Nandurbar and Gondia will also get Rs 10 crore each.

The collaboration between the state and central governments for setting up government nursing colleges is a promising step towards improving the healthcare infrastructure, education and healthcare sector in Maharashtra.