Nursing students staged demonstration at IGIMS gate in Patna on May 8, 2026. Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Anger among students at the nursing college of the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna has spilled onto the streets. Hundreds of BSc Nursing students boycotted classes and staged a protest by blocking the institute’s main gate, raising slogans against the college administration.
The students have accused Principal Anuja Daniel and Vice-Principal Roopa Shri Das of subjecting them to continuous mental harassment. They alleged that the administration maintains an authoritarian approach, with frequent verbal abuse over minor issues.
Several students claimed they were deliberately failed in examinations and threatened with the ruin of their careers. Some also alleged that they were even threatened with physical harm for raising their voices. During the protest, the students demanded the immediate resignation of both the principal and vice-principal.
“We come here to study, but are constantly subjected to mental torture. We are humiliated over trivial matters, and when we protest, we are threatened with failure in exams and the destruction of our careers,” said one protesting student.
Another student alleged financial irregularities, stating that nursing students are entitled to a monthly stipend of ₹500 and ₹13,000 during internships, but these payments are not being made. “We are made to work in the hospital, yet are not paid. There must be an inquiry into where this money is going,” she said.
Students also highlighted a severe lack of basic facilities. They complained of non-functional fans in hostels and classrooms, unhygienic bathrooms, and denial of medical leave. “Instead of addressing complaints, we are reprimanded. We have been protesting for three days, but no official has even spoken to us,” a student said.
The protesters further alleged that attempts to meet the institute’s director, Dr Binde Kumar, were unsuccessful, claiming he refused to engage with them and was shielding the college administration. They vowed to continue their agitation until the accused officials are removed and an impartial inquiry is conducted.
The demonstration disrupted movement at the hospital, causing inconvenience to patients and their families as access through the main gate was blocked. Police reached the spot after being alerted, and officials attempted to pacify the students, but they remained firm on their demands well into the evening.
Academic activities at the college have also been severely affected. Students alleged irregular examinations and excessive academic pressure through assignments. “Rules on the lines of AIIMS Delhi are spoken about, but exist only on paper here. In the name of nursing education, we are made to work without being given facilities or rights,” said a nursing student.
IGIMS has previously been in the spotlight over administrative disputes and alleged examination irregularities, including recent claims of discrepancies and paper leaks in MBBS exams. The ongoing protest by nursing students has now raised fresh concerns about the institute’s administrative functioning and student welfare.
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