Patna: The Indian Nursing Council (INC) has cancelled the national recognition of 40 nursing colleges in Bihar, affecting 45 nursing courses, according to information provided by the Bihar Nursing Registration Council.
The action was reportedly taken under Section 14 of the Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947. The affected institutions include nursing programmes associated with major government and private medical institutions across the state.
The Bihar Nursing Registration Council said institutions whose recognition has been withdrawn will have to address the deficiencies identified during inspections before applying for a fresh assessment.
Colleges Can Apply for Fresh Inspection
Dr Rekha Jha, president of the Bihar Nursing Registration Council, said institutions would have an opportunity to seek restoration of recognition after meeting the required standards.
According to her, the institutions must first rectify the shortcomings identified by the authorities and subsequently apply for another inspection.
Recognition may be restored after a fresh inspection and verification of compliance with the required standards, she said.
Concerns Raised Over Infrastructure and Faculty
Dr Jha said the action followed findings related to deficiencies in infrastructure and teaching standards at some institutions.
She alleged that some private nursing colleges were operating with inadequate facilities, while concerns were also raised about the qualifications of teaching staff.
“Institutions have faced action for not following prescribed standards,” Dr Jha said, according to the report.
The specific deficiencies and their extent may vary between institutions and courses.
Impact on Students Raises Concerns
The withdrawal of national recognition has raised concerns among students enrolled in the affected programmes.
According to Dr Jha, students associated with institutions whose recognition has been withdrawn may face difficulties in accessing certain employment opportunities and professional registration outside Bihar, depending on the status and recognition applicable to their qualifications.
The report also raised concerns about eligibility for recruitment in major central government institutions, including AIIMS and the Railways, as well as opportunities for further education and professional practice outside the state and abroad.
However, the implications for individual students may depend on factors including the course, period of study and the recognition status applicable to a particular qualification.
Institutions in Nalanda Among Those Affected
Several institutions in Nalanda district are among those reported to have lost recognition.
The BSc Nursing programme at Bhagwan Mahavir Institute of Medical Sciences (BMIMS) in Pawapuri is among the courses listed in the report.
The ANM and GNM programmes at Gautam Institute of Nursing, located on the Chandi-Hilsa Road at Syed Bahri, have also reportedly been affected.
In addition, the GNM School of Nursing at Sadar Hospital in Bihar Sharif is among the institutions covered by the action.
PMCH and Bhagalpur Institutions Also Named
The report said nursing institutions linked to major medical colleges in Bihar are also included in the affected list.
The GNM nursing institution associated with Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) has been named among the affected programmes.
The School of Nursing offering the GNM programme at Bhagalpur Medical College Hospital has also reportedly been included.
Fresh Compliance Will Be Key
The Bihar Nursing Registration Council said the affected institutions would need to meet the prescribed requirements before seeking restoration of recognition.
A fresh inspection would be required after the institutions apply and demonstrate compliance with the relevant standards, according to the council.
The action has brought renewed attention to infrastructure, faculty qualifications and regulatory compliance in nursing education, while affected students await clarity on the implications for their courses and future professional opportunities.
