Hundreds of nursing graduates left out after GMC tweaks recruitment rules

Srinagar: Hundreds of trained nurses have been left in the lurch after Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, tweaked eligibility rules and sought applications from M.Sc pass-outs to fill up two nursing tutor posts under National Health Mission (NHM).

Under the Indian Nursing Council (INC) rules, the minimum education requirement for a nursing tutor is B.Sc (Nursing). 

However, an advertisement by Government Medical College, Srinagar has left out candidates with B.Sc nursing and mentioned the eligibility criterion directly as M.Sc.

According to the advertisement, there are two vacancies for nursing tutors with eligibility criteria as “M.Sc Nursing from the recognized institute”. It was advertised on April 30 and in view of internet breakdown, the submission date has been extended to May 20.  

Saim Malik, 25, a nursing graduate said eligibility criterion is a clear violation of the norms set by the Indian Nursing Council.

“It’s unfair not to consider B Sc pass-outs when there is a severe employment crisis going on,” he said.

He noted that singling out B.Sc and diploma holders is sheer injustice with other candidates having lower qualifications.

 “Those selected will be paid Rs 17,000 per month whereas the ideal salary for the post as per the rules of NHM is between Rs 30,000 to 40, 000,” Malik said.

Another female nursing graduate said this advertisement came as a jolt.

“I am desperately in need of a job. I have the basic qualification for the post, but they are taking candidates with M.Sc degree. This is totally unacceptable,” she said.

Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr. Samia Rashid said the tutors with higher qualifications are more ideal for the job. 

“In the present situation, it is not possible to conduct regular examinations. By taking B.Sc candidates, a lot of people would have applied for the job. We cannot cater to the huge rush this time. Therefore, with less number of candidates, we can manage easily,” she said.