BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the immediate removal of two senior officials from the Madhya Pradesh Nurses Registration Council (MPNRC) for their alleged roles in fraudulently approving substandard nursing colleges. The court directed the removal of Registrar Anita Chand and Chairman Dr. Jiten Chandra Shukla, citing “likelihood of tampering” with evidence and widespread irregularities in the accreditation process .
The June 2022 Public Interest Litigation, filed by advocate Vishal Baghel, first brought attention to the issue. Baghel alleged that dozens of nursing institutions granted recognition in 2020–21 lacked essential infrastructure and faculty. A scandal erupted when investigators discovered that Chand, allegedly on an inspection committee, endorsed unfit colleges based on false reports. The court’s decision came after hearing concerns that these officials would obstruct further probes .
Systemic Lapses Highlighted by Court
In its order, a division bench of Justices Sanjay Dwivedi and Achal Kumar Paliwal expressed deep concern over the MPNRC granting approvals to nearly 600 nursing colleges—many of which later faced derecognition or forensic scrutiny . Photographic evidence revealed empty classrooms, unqualified staff, and nonexistent facilities. The court called the state of affairs “a systemic rot” that undermines public trust in medical education .
Police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are currently examining around 364 colleges. Student registrations and degree certificates have been delayed, disrupting thousands of aspiring nurses—many now trapped without accreditation or eligibility to register with the Indian Nursing Council .
Wider Impact and Enforcement Push
Students Bear the Brunt
The ongoing probe has left many students in limbo. With degrees unreadied, registrations stalled, and migration certificates withheld, their career prospects hang in the balance. Complaints from out-of-state students, particularly from Bihar, highlight serious disruptions in academic progress .
Official Accountability and Oversight Reforms
The High Court has directed state authorities to appoint officers of pristine record to temporarily oversee the MPNRC. It also mandated forensic examination of accreditation documents by the Central Forensic Science Lab in Bhopal, with strict deadlines for compliance . Departments across public health, medical education, and nursing councils have been summoned to respond and ensure transparency.
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What Comes Next?
The case is entering a decisive phase. With daily hearings expected to resume throughout July, the court is poised to evaluate forensic findings, implement structural reforms, and potentially issue fresh directives to protect legitimate students. A revamped accreditation process, untainted governance, and swift delivery of student credentials are seen as essential to restoring trust in MP’s nursing education sector.
About the Author – Sahhil Taware is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.