Srinagar, Mar 12 — Kashmiri students and their parents on Thursday staged a protest at the Press Enclave in Srinagar against FIRs registered against students of Mewar University in Rajasthan and the alleged lack of recognition for their BSc Nursing degrees.
The protesters urged the government to intervene, facilitate the migration of students from the university, ensure recognition of their degrees and withdraw the FIRs registered against them.
“Four years ago, our children went to Mewar University under the Sadbhavna project. Two years later, they discovered that the university did not have registration from the Indian Nursing Council or the Rajasthan Nursing Council, despite claims on its website and in brochures. The university’s Vice-Chancellor assured the students that the registration would be obtained and even gave an affidavit. But after two years, that promise was not fulfilled. Our children protested because their future and years of effort are at stake,” said Tahir Maqbool from Sopore.
“The university then pressured the students through its influence and some were even detained for several days. We are seeking migration for the students,” he added.
Around 50 Kashmiri students pursuing BSc Nursing at Mewar University in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh district are facing legal action and suspension after protesting the alleged absence of mandatory approvals for the course.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), 17 students have been booked in an FIR and detained by local authorities, while 33 others have been suspended by the university following protests on campus.
The students are currently in the fifth semester of the programme and were admitted under a Jammu and Kashmir scholarship scheme funded by the Indian Army.
The controversy arose after students claimed that the nursing programme lacks recognition from both the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Rajasthan Nursing Council (RNC), raising concerns about the validity of their degrees.
“With only four months left before graduation, the students are in deep distress. If the programme lacks these approvals, their degrees will not be recognised for professional practice, rendering years of academic effort and financial investment futile,” said JKSA national convener Nasir Khuehami.
The association has sought the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging the government to resolve the issue and protect the academic future of the affected students.
Protesters said the uncertainty surrounding the recognition of the course had caused anxiety among students and their families and called for immediate action to address the matter.