Madhya Pradesh high court has asked the CBI to carry out a detailed investigation into all 364 nursing colleges in the state after the agency submitted a report on its searches on 25 nursing colleges in Bhopal in a sealed envelope and it was taken on record.

The state government has handed over to CBI a list of all the nursing colleges that were granted affiliation in the last few years. A chart was also prepared before the divisional bench at Gwalior high court to demonstrate the number of colleges that were granted renewal.

Of the 25 colleges inspected by the CBI following HC orders of September 27 and 28, 2022, 11 are on the list of 364 colleges due for detailed investigation. Six of these colleges do not meet the norms for running a nursing college.

It is indeed a grave situation that colleges that do not conform to the requirements have been given affiliation even in the year 2023-2024, the HC observed.

Vivek Khedkar, counsel for MP Nurses Registration Council, has been asked to prepare a list of nursing colleges that existed in 2021. It has to be in a specific format and include the complete list of colleges, and details of those that had been running for 10 years, five years and less.

This list shall be handed over to CBI for the investigation. The agency has also been asked to ensure the investigation covers requirements of Rule 18, with special emphasis to infrastructure, logistics support, students, their attendance and training.

"Initially, let there be sampling verification which may be done by CBI and his teams at his discretion. MP Medical Science University and MP Nurses Registration Council have been asked to extend full support to the

Investigating Agency in all respects with no exception as and when the inspecting team either summons or requisitions the record or persons for enquiry," the court said.

The MP Medical Science University has also been asked to compile the data of all 364 colleges and provide it to the investigating team. MP Nurses Registration Council shall also prepare complete data in respect of colleges and give it to the CBI.

Additional advocate general for the state has been asked to ensure that the investigating team visiting different districts for inspection under court orders are provided amenities like transport, lodging and boarding as well as manpower to help facilitate an early enquiry. In addition, the court has directed all collectors to ensure compliance of directions. CBI has to submit the first report within two weeks from the date of furnishing of the list. The next hearing is on May 12.