SRINAGAR: Students of the Royal Institute of Paramedicals and Sciences, Ganderbal, on Tuesday staged a protest against what they termed as administrative failure in securing affiliation with the Indian Nursing Council (INC). The agitated students said the continued delay had jeopardised their education and future careers.
Dozens of students gathered outside the campus, carrying placards and chanting slogans against the institute’s management. They alleged negligence, pointing out that repeated promises of affiliation had gone unfulfilled. “This is nothing less than playing with our careers,” one of the students said.
According to protesters, an INC inspection team had visited the institute in 2023 and highlighted shortcomings in faculty strength and infrastructure. “Almost two years have passed and not a single issue has been addressed. Even our seniors are about to graduate without registration. What will we do with such degrees?” another student asked.
The institute currently offers courses including FMPHW, GNM, B.Sc Nursing and B.Sc MLT. However, without INC affiliation, students fear their qualifications may not be recognised, affecting job prospects and professional licensing.
When contacted, the institute’s Director, Gulzar Ahmad, admitted to delays but assured that corrective measures were underway. “We are committed to resolving this issue. Within the next two months, all deficiencies pointed out by INC will be rectified and affiliation will be secured,” he said.ȳ
Despite the assurance, students remain sceptical. They warned that if immediate action is not taken, they will intensify their agitation. “Our patience has limits. We cannot let our years of study go to waste,” the students said, appealing to higher authorities for intervention. [KNT]
