Manipur Governor-in-Council Approves Two New B.Sc Nursing Colleges in Thoubal and Churachandpur Under Central Scheme

In a significant development, the Governor-in-Council on 22nd September, 2025 has approved the establishment of 2(two) B.Sc Nursing Colleges, with one each at Thoubal and Churachandpur under the Central Sector Scheme of Development of Nursing Services. Further, another B.Sc Nursing College is to be set up at Churachandpur under the Central Sponsored Scheme, "Augmenting Nursing Education-Establishment of New Colleges of Nursing(Con) Co-located with Medical Colleges". The Government will also open two new state-funded GNM Nursing Schools at Thoubal and Churachandpur to make up for the existing GNM schools that are to be phased out post upgradation. These decisions mark an important advancement in enhancing healthcare delivery and nursing education in the state.

The state currently has 14 GNM schools (2 government & 12 private) with total intake seat capacity of 519, against which more than 800 qualified students apply every year. Further, in 16 B.Sc Nursing colleges (2 government & 14 private) with total intake seat capacity of 610, more than 1600 qualified students apply every year on an average. Thus, there exists a deficit of around 40% of seats in GNM courses and of around 64% of seats in B.SC Nursing courses. The new colleges/schools will help in filling in the deficits and will produce more trained nurses. It will expand healthcare access and improve public health outcomes, particularly in rural and underserved regions. They will also generate direct and indirect employment opportunities while empowering youth-especially women-with professional skills for careers within the country and abroad.

Separately, the Governor-in-Council has also approved an increase in the stipend of Undergraduate internee (MBBS & BOS) of JNIMS from Rs 15,210/- to Rs 25,000/-. Earlier stipend of Rs 15,120/- was fixed in the year 2015 and had not been revised since then. This measure will support MBBS/BDS students towards easing financial constraints.

Further, the Governor-in-Council approved for recruitment of staff for establishment of Multi-Disciplinary Research Unit (MRU) in JNIMS to be funded by umbrella scheme of Development of Infrastructure for promotion of Health Research of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It will serve as a platform for innovation, medical studies, and evidence-based healthcare solutions. It will strengthen institutional capacity for advanced biomedical research, clinical and public health research.

By strengthening both education and research infrastructure, these initiatives will not only enhance the quality of healthcare services but also position the state as a hub for skilled human resources and medical innovation. The Government expressed confidence that these measures will accelerate socio-economic development and ensure a healthier, better-prepared future for the people of the state.