‘Don’t Play With Our Careers’: Ganderbal Nursing, Paramedical Students Protest Over Non-Recognition of Courses

Basit Qadri

Ganderbal, Sep 16,(PTK): Students of the Royal Institute of Paramedicals and Sciences (RIPS), Ganderbal, on Tuesday staged a protest accusing the administration of failing to secure affiliation with the Indian Nursing Council (INC)—a lapse they say has put their education and careers at risk.

Dozens of students gathered outside the campus with placards, chanting slogans against the management and demanding immediate action. Speaking to the Press Trust of Kashmir (PTK), several students alleged repeated assurances on affiliation had gone unmet. “This is nothing less than playing with our careers,” one protester said.

Students said an INC inspection team visited the institute in 2023 and flagged gaps 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 offers FMPHW, GNM, B.Sc Nursing, and B.Sc MLT. Without INC affiliation, students fear their qualifications may not be recognised, jeopardising job prospects and professional licensing.

When contacted, the institute’s Director, Gulzar Ahmad, acknowledged delays but said corrective steps are 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.Despite the assurance, students expressed scepticism and warned of intensified protests if action is not taken immediately. “Our patience has limits. We cannot let our years of study go to waste,” they said, appealing to higher authorities for intervention.(PTK)