THE ongoing agitation by nursing students in the capital turned intense as students from various districts of the State marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence to demand a resolution of pending issues related to nursing education. However, police stopped the protesters at Polytechnic Crossing, where students sat on a dharna and refused to budge till late in the night. The protest, which continued for the third consecutive day, initially began with students holding a peaceful demonstration at Neelam Park on the first day, followed by a demonstration at Ambedkar Park on the second day. Due to the denial of permission for the protest at Ambedkar Park on the third day,the students attempted to march toward the CM House before being intercepted at Polytechnic Square, where they staged a demonstration by sitting right on the road and raising slogans in support of their demands. 30-Day Permission Granted, Protest to Continue at Neelam Park:During the ground report, protesting student Manoj Rajak stated that the students had obtained proper permission from the police authorities for the protest, granting them a 30-day permission at Neelam Park. Meanwhile, Shyamla Hills police station SI Ghumendra Singh stated that a five-member student delegation was taken to the CM House, where it submitted a memorandum. A memorandum was also submitted to the Health Minister’s office. However, the students were denied a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Public Health and Medical Education of the Madhya Pradesh Government, Rajendra Shukla.

 

Hence, Students claimed to choosing not to end their protest. Key Demands of the Students:The students alleged that irregularities in nursing education and prolonged court proceedings have affected their careers for nearly six years, complaining of delays in examinations, issuance of degrees, registration numbers, and scholarships. Protesters emphasised that students are not responsible for irregularities in the recognition of nursing colleges; if colleges were granted recognition improperly, responsibility should be fixed on the concerned authorities and college management. A decision in the interest of students should be reached by ensuring an expedited hearing of the nursing case through a special bench. Examinations for BSc Nursing and GNM students across all categories—including those from suitable, unsuitable, and 56 colleges—should be conducted simultaneously and without further delay. Students of the 2020-21 batch should be provided with their degrees and registration numbers by December 2026, and pending examinations for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 batches must be conducted promptly. Issues related to student scholarships should be resolved quickly. Accountability regarding the recognition of nursing colleges and associated irregularities must be fixed to secure the students' future. The students clearly stated that their agitation will continue until they receive a written assurance from the government or administration.