Patna Nursing School's Marriage Ban Order Sparks Outrage, Civil Surgeon Cancels It
In a controversial move that has ignited widespread debate, Hathua General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) School in Gopalganj, Patna, issued a notification instructing all female students not to marry during the academic session. The order, which threatened removal from college rolls for non-compliance, has been met with fierce criticism from students, parents, and the public, leading to its swift cancellation by health authorities.
Civil Surgeon Intervenes, Cancels Order
Taking the matter seriously, civil surgeon Dr Birendra Prasad has categorically cancelled the order, emphasizing that a student's right to education cannot be restricted based on marital status. "There is no such provision in any regulations of the health department or the Nursing Council," Dr Prasad stated, reacting to the notice issued by the institute's principal. He confirmed that the order was revoked and an inquiry report has been forwarded to the department for further action against the principal.
Dr Prasad elaborated that a two-member committee, comprising deputy medical superintendent Ramesh Kumar and MOIC (Hathua) Avinash, was dispatched to the GNM school to verify the order. Their report was submitted and forwarded to Dr Rekha Jha, director-in-chief of family welfare, child health and nursing, disease control, public health and paramedical, on Monday for additional steps.
Controversy Erupts Over Directive
The controversy erupted five days ago when Hathua GNM School released the official order on April 16. The notice, issued on college letterhead and signed by principal Mansi Singh, explicitly warned that if any female student married during the training period, her name would be immediately removed from the college rolls. This strongly-worded directive quickly sparked outrage, with many arguing that educational institutions lack the authority to interfere in personal matters like marriage, especially when it infringes on fundamental rights to pursue studies.
Principal's Clarification and Withdrawal
Facing significant backlash, principal Mansi Singh clarified that the notice was not intended to ban marriages or hurt feelings. She explained that the college frequently receives requests from families regarding marriage proposals during the session, which disrupt students' studies and clinical attendance. "Many students take extended leave after marriage, leading to shortage in attendance. Later, parents pressure us to allow them to appear in examinations despite failing to meet the required attendance, which goes against the rules," she said.
Singh admitted that there is no government rule or official manual prohibiting marriage during the nursing training period. She described the letter as merely an advisory to alert students and encourage them to complete their studies with full focus and attendance. Following the controversy, the notice has since been withdrawn, marking a resolution to the contentious issue.
Broader Implications for Education Rights
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about institutional overreach and the protection of students' rights in India. It underscores the importance of adhering to established regulations and respecting personal freedoms within educational settings. The swift action by health authorities serves as a reminder that policies must align with legal frameworks and societal values to avoid such controversies in the future.
