A alleged academic fraud at Asha Paramedical and Nursing Institute in Salbari, Siliguri has left around 200 students-many from Sikkim-facing uncertain academic and career prospects after they say they were enrolled in short-term vocational programmes instead of the multi-year, recognised nursing and paramedical courses they were promised. Students discovered the discrepancies just ahead of examinations when identity cards and course details were reportedly altered, revealing the lower-status enrolments; many say they were assured the institute was government-recognised and that their qualifications would be eligible for hospital employment.
The Government of Sikkim said Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) took prompt cognisance after the matter surfaced on social media and directed intervention. Following his instructions, a delegation of officials from the State Education Department and representatives of the SKM students’ wing travelled to Siliguri on Monday to meet affected students and assess the situation, the government said in a press release. The delegation included Student Welfare Board chairman Sonam Chopel Sherpa and additional political secretary Tshering Wanchuk Lepcha.
The Sikkim team met Siliguri Commissioner of Police C. Sudhakar to press for a swift response and legal action. The Commissioner told the delegation that four accused have been arrested so far and that efforts are underway to apprehend the prime accused and other suspects; he said the investigation is being treated as a priority and pledged to prevent similar frauds in future.
Student bodies have strongly condemned the alleged deception. The Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA) warned that allied and healthcare courses must be recognised by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) under the NCAHP Act, 2021, and said operating without such approval endangers students’ credentials. Other groups, including the Sikkim Progressive Youth Forum and the Sikkim Youth Welfare Association, have demanded strict legal action, compensation for affected students, and stronger safeguards against out-of-state fraudulent institutions.
Local leaders have added pressure for institutional action: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista has called for immediate cancellation of the institute’s registration and full refunds for students. Authorities in West Bengal have confirmed arrests and continue investigations. Students and their families now await the outcome of the probe as they seek legal redress and clarity on the validity of the courses and certificates issued by the institute.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/majority-of-sikkim-students-among-those-affected-by-alleged-siliguri-nursing-college-fraud
Category:
Tags:
Publish Date:
