Lack of basic facilities: Students, parents launch indefinite strike at Idukki nursing college

Idukki: Students of the Government Nursing College, Idukki, and their parents have launched an indefinite strike demanding basic infrastructure, including hostel facilities. The protest began on Thursday morning in front of the college principal’s office, with nursing student associations extending their support.

Currently, 180 students are enrolled in the college, but it functions without a permanent building. Ninety-four female students are crammed into a private hostel with inadequate facilities, while there are no hostels for male students, they said. The institution also lacks sufficient classrooms, laboratories, and a library, students alleged.

“Girls are living under extremely difficult conditions in a small private hostel,” said nursing student Aleena John, adding that repeated complaints had gone unanswered.

Despite an earlier assurance from Minister for Water Resources Roshy Augustine that alternative hostel arrangements would be made, the promise remains unfulfilled. The PTA and student unions have warned that if facilities are not arranged before third-year classes begin, they will intensify the protest and pursue legal action.

When the college first began functioning, temporary hostel space was arranged at Vidyadhiraja School near Cheruthoni Dam by converting classrooms into dormitories. Students say the arrangement has become unbearable due to overcrowding and poor living conditions.

PTA executive member Rajimol said the students had protested last year and even approached the High Court. Following this, the minister, DME, and district collector had assured students and their parents that the old hostel at Painavu, earlier used by medical students, would be allotted to nursing students. She said medical college authorities have refused to vacate it, claiming that it currently houses doctors.

A nursing student, Shinas, said male students are forced to stay in rented houses, incurring heavy expenses. He urged the authorities to act immediately and ensure hostel facilities for all students.