Karnataka Minister Orders Fee Regulatory Committee for Nursing Colleges

Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil has ordered the establishment of a fee regulatory committee to monitor nursing college fees amid complaints of exorbitant charges. The committee, to be headed by the Joint Secretary of the Medical Education Department, aims to scrutinize and regulate fee structures. Inspections will also ensure institutions provide necessary facilities.

Karnataka Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Monday announced the formation of a fee regulatory committee to oversee the fee structures of nursing colleges across the state. This move comes amid numerous complaints of exorbitant fees reportedly being charged by nursing institutions, causing financial strain on students.

Patil stated that the newly formed five-member committee, led by the Joint Secretary of the Medical Education Department, will be responsible for scrutinizing these fee structures. He instructed officials to withdraw the Essential Certificate and Feasibility Certificate (EC&FC) from any institution found charging beyond government-prescribed limits.

The minister revealed that fees currently range from Rs 10,000 per year for government quota students to Rs 1.40 lakh for non-Karnataka students. He rejected a proposal to increase these fees by 20 per cent. Additionally, the committee will also review facilities, ensuring colleges meet required standards.

Patil directed the Principal Secretary of Medical Education to conduct inspections of General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) colleges at both taluk and district levels. For B.Sc. Nursing colleges, another panel will be formed for similar inspections and prompt reporting.

The minister emphasized the importance of adequate teaching and non-teaching staff, libraries, laboratories, and hygiene standards in these institutions. He warned that any nursing college failing to meet these requirements would face consequences, including withdrawal of permissions.

Finally, he mandated officials to limit nursing institutions to exclusively running nursing courses, revoking permissions for those offering multiple courses in the same premises.

(With inputs from agencies.)