Plea in Delhi High Court challenges gender-specific eligibility for B.Sc (Hons) Nursing course
The Indian Professional Nurses Association’s petition seeks a reconsideration of the rule urging the court to direct the implementation of a new scheme that would make individuals of all genders eligible for admission to the B.Sc. (H) nursing course.
B.Sc (Hons.) Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Courses: When the term “nurse” is mentioned, an image of a caregiver dressed in a white uniform, who is commonly referred to as “sister” by patients, doctors, and hospital staff, is often depicted. However, the general perception of healthcare providers often revolves around female nurses. Speaking of gender equality, a plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court (HC) challenging the existing rule that allows only female candidates to apply for the B.Sc (Hons.) Nursing Course in nursing colleges run by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi University (DU) and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU).
According to the report by news agency IANS, the Indian Professional Nurses Association’s petition seeks a reconsideration of the rule urging the court to direct the implementation of a new scheme that would make individuals of all genders eligible for admission to the B.Sc. ) nursing course.
The association, a registered non-governmental body dedicated to the welfare of nurses across the country, says restricting access solely to women is considered arbitrary and contrary to the fundamental principles of democracy, fairness and equality . It is argued that the practice is “manifestly arbitrary” and does not meet the standards of reasonable classification set out in Article 14 of the Constitution.
What does Article 14 say in the Constitution of India?
The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. The plea reads: “The classification created entitles only women candidates to a specific B.Sc. (H) Nursing course based on a rule that does not take into account contemporary reality.” It further says that the gender-specific eligibility rule ignores the urgent need for more nurses in the country and is therefore against the broader interest of the public.
(With inputs from IANS)