Karnataka govt orders probe into nursing colleges amid uproar

Amid an uproar in the Legislative Council, the Karnataka state government on Thursday ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities in nursing colleges.

The probe will include institutions running without requisite permission, lack of infrastructure and staff among other violation of norms.

Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar said the government would conduct an inquiry and submit a report to the House within 90 days. "There are 650 nursing colleges in Karnataka. We will inspect all of them and take action against any institution found to be functioning without the requisite permission or adequate infrastructure. We will revoke their licenses," Sudhakar said.

However, a high drama ensued as JD(S) MLCs demanded a House committee and refused an inquiry by government officials. With the ruling party not yielding to this demand, the MLCs stood in the well of the House and shouted slogans against the government.

Adding to the drama, Congress MLCs refused to engage with Sudhakar. "He is among the tainted ministers. Our party's stand is to not participate in this," Leader of the Opposition in the Council SR Patil said.

The debate began with BJP MLC N Ravikumar questioning the government about permission given to 62 new nursing colleges and 40 new allied health science colleges in the state, in spite of these institutions lacking basic infrastructure.

"There are many nursing colleges in Karnataka operating without basic infrastructure. In Bidar alone, there are 20-30 colleges where students come only once a year to write their exams. This has dangerous implications on public safety," he contended. Agreeing with his view, JD(S) MLCs Marithibbe Gowda, Srikante Gowda, Appaji Gowda among others, insisted on a House committee.

However, Sudhakar said the government had approved institutions after thorough scrutiny. "There were 101 applications for nursing and 70 applications for allied sciences. We have forwarded only 47 of nursing and 45 of allied sciences for approval. Many were eliminated in the preliminary level for not meeting the requisite standards," he said.

The MLCs alleged that nursing colleges in Karnataka had become a money laundering venture.

With the JD(S) MLCs refusing to accept the government's assurances, Council chairperson Basavaraj Horatti adjourned the House for 10 minutes in between. However, the stalemate continued even after the session was reconvened and the House was eventually adjourned until Friday.