J&K Students Association seeks CM’s intervention in MMINSR SKIMS Principals’ appointment, says guidelines ‘violated’

Srinagar, Jan 12: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) today raised serious concerns regarding the recent appointment to the position of Principal at the Madre-e-Meharban Institute of Nursing Sciences and Research (MMINSR), SKIMS, from the Department of Neurology.

The Association, in its statement said that this appointment is a clear violation of the regulatory guidelines established by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), to which the institute is affiliated.

The Association has sought the intervention of chief minister Omar Abdullah, urging him to ensure adherence to the INC guidelines and resolve the matter at the earliest. It emphasized that timely intervention could help safeguard the standards of nursing education at the MMINSR and uphold transparency and fairness in the institution’s administrative processes.

National Convener of Association Nasir Khuehami, stated, “As per the Indian Nursing Council (Revised Regulations and Curriculum for B.Sc. Nursing Program, 2020), a candidate must hold an M.Sc. Nursing degree with a minimum of 15 years of experience in the nursing field to qualify for the position of Principal at a Nursing Institute. Appointing a candidate who does not meet the required qualifications prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council is not only a breach of INC norms but also undermines the standards of nursing education and patient care.”

Khuehami further added that, although the appointed Principal from the Department of Neurology may be an accomplished professional, this additional charge imposes an unnecessary administrative burden, which could compromise his productivity and disrupt the smooth functioning of MMINSR. He stressed that this decision must be reviewed and rectified promptly to ensure compliance with INC regulations.

Malik Adnan, National Secretary and Spokesperson of the Association, highlighted the importance of adhering to INC guidelines. He stated, “The INC regulations are designed to maintain the highest standards in nursing education and ensure the overall efficiency of institutes like MMINSR. Non-compliance with these regulations not only jeopardizes the quality of education but also undermines the institute’s commitment to transparency and excellence.” He urged the Director of SKIMS and other concerned authorities to intervene and take immediate action to resolve the issue in accordance with INC norms.

Adnan also remarked that this matter is not just a technical issue but a question of fairness and justice for the students and faculty of MMINSR. He emphasized that the role of Principal requires candidates who meet the INC’s professional qualifications to provide focused leadership in the field of nursing.

The Association expressed grave concerns about such questionable appointments, warning that failure to address these decisions promptly could have long-term repercussions on the reputation of the institute and the future of its students. “It is of utmost importance that institutions like SKIMS uphold the integrity of regulatory norms to ensure quality education and maintain high standards in healthcare,” the statement said.