MM College of Paramedical Sciences Sopore Among Four J&K Institutes Served Notices for Running ‘Unapproved’ Healthcare Courses
Srinagar, June 19 :
The Jammu and Kashmir State Allied and Healthcare Council (SAHC) has issued show-cause notices to four private institutes, including MM College of Paramedical Sciences and Technology, Sopore, for allegedly conducting allied and healthcare programmes without obtaining mandatory approvals from the competent authorities.
The other institutions named in the notices are Boston Institute of Medical Science and Technology, Pulwama; NIMS, Lawaypora Srinagar; and GD Goenka Healthcare Academy, operating in Srinagar and Jammu.
According to officials, the council took cognizance of these institutions allegedly promoting admissions and operating study centres, franchise centres and off-campus centres in Jammu and Kashmir in association with universities or institutions based outside the Union Territory without obtaining the required permission from the SAHC or the erstwhile J&K Paramedical Council.
Referring to provisions of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021, the council stated that the law prohibits the establishment of institutions, commencement of courses and admission of students without prior approval from the competent authority. It further said that any qualification awarded in violation of the Act would not be recognised.
“The institutions’ actions prima facie appear to be prejudicial to the academic and professional interests of students and could affect their registration and employability,” the notices stated.
The council has directed the institutes to submit their responses within seven days, explaining why their courses should not be declared unauthorised and unrecognised. Detailed records, including approvals, affiliations, admission data, faculty details, hospital tie-ups, infrastructure and qualifications awarded to students, have also been sought.
Pending examination of their replies, the institutes have been barred from making fresh admissions, starting new batches, advertising programmes or expanding academic activities without prior permission from the competent authority.
The SAHC warned that failure to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated time may result in ex-parte action, including closure of courses and centres, issuance of public advisories, reporting the matter to regulatory bodies and recommending legal proceedings, including registration of an FIR wherever warranted.
