Over 160 pharmacy students at HIPER Pulwama face PCI approval crisis

Srinagar, July 16: More than 160 students enrolled in Diploma in Pharmacy program at Hyatt Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (HIPER), Lethpora, Pulwama, are uncertain about their academic future, as it has allegedly failed to obtain mandatory approval from Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) for the past three academic years.Students of 2022–24, 2023–25, and 2024–26 batches allege that HIPER admitted them without a valid PCI renewal, in violation of Pharmacy Act, 1948, which mandates all pharmacy institutions to seek annual PCI approval by submitting Standard Inspection Format (SIF).They said the last PCI approval HIPER received was for the academic year 2021–22, ironically, a year in which no students were admitted. Since then, three batches have been admitted and taught without fresh PCI approval.These admissions were facilitated through J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE), and students’ examinations were conducted by J&K Paramedical and Nursing Council via GMC Srinagar despite the college lacking regulatory clearance. The most recent exam for HIPER students was held as recently as March 2025.“This is not just a matter of one college’s negligence; this is systemic failure,” said a student spokesperson who requested anonymity fearing backlash.The students said that the minutes of the PCI meeting held in Sept 2024 mention that HIPER was not permitted to submit the SIF for 2024–25 session, deepening fears among students. They allege the institute has withheld their original documents submitted for verification.The students claim they made their first formal representation on May 14, 2025, to the Administrative Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah and later approached Sakeena Itoo, Minister for H&ME, however, their efforts did not yield any results.With final examinations just a few months away, students demand immediate return of their original documents, either valid PCI approval for their respective batches or migration to other PCI-recognized colleges without academic loss, and accountability from the Health and Medical Education Department for what they term a clear case of procedural failure.“We are not asking for favors, only our legal right to a recognized education and future,” the students said and urged the administration to intervene and resolve the matter.However, Junaid Ur Rehman, General Secretary, HIPER (Lethpora) said the institution has obtained the affiliation from J&K Paramedical Council for the session 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 after proper inspection.“The approval granted by the PCI for the session 2021-22 was treated for the session 2022-23 and also renewal for 2023-24 for 2 academic sessions; however the approval for the session 2024-25 was put on hold by PCI with remarks as the matter is sub-judice,” he said.“The High Court of J&K has passed an order to PCI for consideration of approval for the session 2024-25. The students for 2024-25 have been allocated by the BOPEE through counselling in June 2024 to all 18 pharmacy colleges of J&K (UT) including our’s when no college had obtained the renewal of Approval from PCI at that time,” he added.Junaid also said that the main problem was caused by their terminated Principal, who not only hijacked the college portal of the institute but also erased all institutional data.He said the decision letters and renewal of approvals were assured by PCI registrar that they will be uploaded at an earliest, but due to the CBI raid on PCI it was delayed.“Moreover, all the students of three batches have already been registered on the PCI portal and every student has received the PCI registration ID” he said.The management has already taken the matter in notice of LG, Health Minister and others with proper documentation for their intervention in the matter in the larger interests of students. “As such there is no fault or negligence on the part of the Institution,” he said.Chairperson, Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE), Dr. Minu Mahajan, said the matter has been taken up with the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and is currently sub judice in court. She expressed hope that the issue would be resolved soon.“We have to obtain approval for admissions from the State Paramedical Council. They inform us about the number of seats to be allotted to each college, and the allotments are made accordingly,” she said.Dr. Mahajan further added that HIPER did not have the required approval letter from the PCI for the previous academic year, as the inspection for intake approval was pending.A senior BOPEE official assured students that HIPER is a recognized institution and there is no need to worry about the validity of their degrees. “Students should continue their studies, remain present at the institution, and appear for their examinations,” the official said.