Allegations of Fraud at Siliguri Paramedical Institute Draw Political Attention
Siliguri: Allegations of educational fraud at a private paramedical training institute in Salbari have triggered protests by students, drawn intervention from political leaders, and prompted a response from the Government of Sikkim, as concerns grow over the future of hundreds of trainees.
Students associated with Asha Paramedical and Nursing Institute have accused the organisation of misrepresenting the nature of its courses, claiming they were enrolled in what was promoted as a multi-year professional nursing or paramedical programme but later discovered it functioned only as a short-term vocational training centre. The situation has raised broader questions about oversight and regulation in the paramedical education sector.
Students Allege Misrepresentation of Courses
According to students, the Siliguri Paramedical Institute presented its programmes as recognised nursing and paramedical courses, attracting applicants from the Darjeeling hills and neighbouring Sikkim. Many families reportedly paid significant fees in the expectation that students would receive qualifications enabling them to work in the healthcare sector.
However, students say that after completing their training and receiving certificates and mark sheets, they learned that the Siliguri Paramedical Institute did not hold recognition as a formal nursing or paramedical college. Instead, it allegedly operated as a vocational training centre, which students claim limits their employment prospects.
Some students have also raised concerns about infrastructure, alleging the absence of proper laboratory facilities, equipment and other academic resources usually associated with professional healthcare training. When they sought clarification, they claim administrators failed to provide clear documentation regarding registration or accreditation.
Protests and Police Presence
The allegations led to protests by students, with reports indicating tension between protesters and Siliguri Paramedical Institute representatives. Law enforcement personnel were present as demonstrations intensified, although no official statement detailing police action had been issued at the time of reporting.
Students have expressed frustration over the time and money invested, stating that uncertainty about the validity of their qualifications has caused anxiety, particularly for those from economically weaker backgrounds who saw healthcare training as a path to stable employment.
Sikkim Government Sends Team to Assess Situation
The issue has drawn attention in Sikkim after information about affected students circulated on social media. The state government expressed concern over the matter, with officials stating that the welfare and future of students remain a priority.
Following directions from the Chief Minister, a team of officials from the Education Department, along with representatives linked to student welfare bodies, left for Siliguri to meet students and understand the situation directly. The aim, according to a government spokesperson, is to gather facts and ensure that appropriate steps are taken in the students’ interest.
Officials said they are closely monitoring developments and assured that efforts would be made to address the matter in a timely manner once the facts are verified.
MP Calls for Investigation and Action
Darjeeling Member of Parliament Raju Bista has also raised the issue, urging authorities to conduct an urgent inquiry. In his communication to officials, he cited complaints from students who said they were promised admission into recognised nursing and paramedical courses but later found the institute lacked proper recognition.
Bista has called for strict action if wrongdoing is established, including cancellation of registrations of institutions found to be operating fraudulently. He also stressed that the interests of affected students should be safeguarded, including the possibility of fee refunds where appropriate.
Regulatory Concerns in Paramedical Education
The incident has highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity in the rapidly expanding field of paramedical and vocational healthcare training. Experts note that while vocational programmes can play a role in skill development, students must be clearly informed about the nature of courses and the recognition status of institutions.
Prospective students are generally advised to verify affiliations, accreditation and approvals from relevant councils or authorities before enrolling in professional healthcare courses. Misunderstandings or misrepresentation can have long-term consequences for employment eligibility.
Awaiting Official Findings
At this stage, allegations from students and responses from political leaders have brought the issue into public focus, but official investigations are expected to determine the facts. Authorities have yet to release detailed findings regarding the institute’s registration status or compliance with educational regulations.
As teams engage with affected students and authorities examine the matter, the outcome is likely to influence how similar institutions are monitored in the future. For now, students and families await clarity, hoping for a resolution that addresses both accountability and their educational future.
