The Kerala government is planning to establish a dedicated Nursing University to strengthen nursing education in the state and expand opportunities for students aspiring to enter the profession. Chief Minister V D Satheesan also announced a 50% increase in nursing seats, assuring that the expansion would not come at the cost of educational standards.The announcements were made on Wednesday while inaugurating the state conference of the Kerala Government Nurses Union. According to news agency PTI, the Chief Minister said the government would accord priority to the health sector despite financial constraints.He indicated that the government was prepared to restrict expenditure in other departments, if necessary, to ensure that the health sector received adequate attention and resources.
Kerala government plans 50% increase in nursing seats
The proposed expansion of nursing seats is aimed at creating more opportunities for students seeking admission to nursing courses across the state. However, the Chief Minister stressed that increasing the number of seats would be accompanied by measures to maintain the quality of nursing education.The proposed Nursing University is also expected to strengthen the academic framework for nursing education in Kerala. The move signals the state’s intention to give greater institutional attention to nursing studies and the preparation of healthcare professionals.The government has not yet announced a detailed implementation schedule or the proposed location and structure of the university. Further details regarding the expansion of seats are also awaited.
Kerala discusses examination reforms with high-level task force
Separately, Chief Minister V D Satheesan held discussions with a high-level task force on Wednesday to examine possible reforms in the country’s examination system.The delegation visited Kerala to explore measures to strengthen examination processes and improve their overall functioning. It included former ISRO chairman Dr S Somanath, task force permanent invitee Shankar Maruwada, and P Bala Kiran, Secretary-cum-Controller of Examinations at the National Recruitment Agency (NRA) and Joint Secretary in the Department of Personnel and Training.The discussions focused on assessing existing examination arrangements and identifying measures to make the system more transparent, secure, accountable and efficient.
Computer-based testing and question paper security discussed
Several aspects of the examination process came up during the meeting, including assessment methods, question paper security, examination conduct and the functioning of testing agencies.The adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) was among the major areas of discussion. Participants also examined the institutional and technical infrastructure required to introduce and strengthen computer-based examinations.The meeting further deliberated on ways to improve the reliability and security of examinations while reducing vulnerabilities in the existing system. The discussions were aimed at identifying reforms that could make the examination process more accountable and efficient.Higher Education Minister Roji M John, General Education Minister N Shamsuddeen, Chief Secretary Biswanath Sinha, Higher Education Department Principal Secretary Dr B Ashok and Kerala State Higher Education Council Vice Chairman Prof Achuthsankar S Nair were among those present at the meeting.The two developments highlight the state government’s focus on strengthening healthcare education while also examining reforms in the broader examination system. While the proposed Nursing University and expansion of nursing seats are expected to address educational capacity, the examination-related discussions are focused on improving the credibility and efficiency of assessment processes.
