Why Were 30 Kashmiris Among 33 Nursing Students Suspended at Mewar Varsity?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jaipur, Feb 12 (NationPress) In a significant development, Mewar University located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, has taken the controversial step of suspending 33 final-year BSc. Nursing students, with a majority of 30 hailing from Kashmir. This action has ignited protests on campus, as reported by police officials on Thursday.
The affected students claim their nursing program lacks recognition from both the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC) and the Indian Nursing Council (INC), jeopardizing their degrees and future career prospects.
Since Wednesday, the suspended students have engaged in a strike, urgently seeking clarity on accreditation or a transfer to a recognized institution.
They accuse the university administration of “compromising their future” by enrolling them in a course that lacks valid recognition.
According to local police, protests commenced on Wednesday and have persisted into Thursday.
Protestors are maintaining a peaceful stance, with police deployed to ensure order is upheld.
So far, neither party has filed a formal complaint.
Additionally, six General Nursing and Midwifery students from Mewar University faced suspension amid the unrest.
Shyama Ram, the Station House Officer of Gangrar police, confirmed that students from all over India, including those from Kashmir, are participating in the protests.
“The demonstration is peaceful, and no cases have been registered so far. The issue revolves around the unrecognized degree,” the SHO stated.
A final-year BSc Nursing student, Abrar, mentioned that the protesting students belong to the 2022 academic batch, with exams set for March.
He emphasized that the degree course remains unrecognized, which could invalidate their qualifications and hinder their ability to register with hospitals or seek employment.
The students also highlighted a written assurance given by the university in 2024, stating that if recognition was not achieved by December 4, 2024, they would be transferred to another accredited university on the same scholarship.
However, they express frustration that no action has been taken even by 2026.
As the final semester progresses, students are anxious about further delays.
They accuse the management of consistently requesting more time without providing definitive information regarding accreditation.
The students believe the suspensions are an attempt to suppress their protest.
More than 50 students are reportedly affected by the accreditation dilemma.
Without the necessary endorsements from the RNC and INC, graduates risk being ineligible for professional registration, which would significantly harm their career prospects.
Attempts to reach university officials for comment were unsuccessful.
This situation has reignited discussions about academic accreditation and student protections at private universities in Rajasthan, according to student representatives.