By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Due to the continuous efforts and proactive intervention of Dr. Pradeep Kumar Panigrahi, Honorable Member of Parliament from Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency, the future of more than 1,000 B.Sc. Nursing final year students (2021-2025 batch) of 16 nursing colleges under Berhampur University has been secured.
*Background of the Issue:* The Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC) had issued a notification (Advt. No. IIE-54/2026-1896/OSSSC) for the recruitment of Nursing Officers-2026, in which the last date for application was fixed as 13 July 2026. However, due to delay by the Berhampur University administration, the final examination results of the students were not declared and the registration number was not received from the Odisha Nurses and Midwives Council. There was a risk that the students of Berhampur University would be left out of the recruitment process while the students of other universities got the opportunity to apply.
*Intervention of MP:* The students informed Dr. Panigrahi about this serious problem. The MP immediately informed the Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi about the situation on 25th June 2026 through a letter (Ref. No. MP/BAM/2026/NURS-084). In his letter, he clarified that it is not fair to deprive the students of this recruitment opportunity that came after four years. He requested the Chief Minister, Health and Family Welfare Department, Higher Education Department, OSSSC Chairperson, Vice Chancellor, Berhampur University and Registrar, Odisha Nurses and Midwives Council to take immediate steps in this regard.
*Positive Outcome:* Considering this important intervention of the MP, OSSSC has issued its revised notification (No. IIE-54/2026/2241/OSSSC, dt. 06/07/2026).
*As amended:*
*1. Last date for online registration/re-registration has been extended till 20th July 2026.*
*2. The last date for submission of online applications has been extended till 27th July 2026.*
*Dr. Panigrahi’s response:* Dr. Panigrahi expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the State Government for this success. He said, “The hard work of these talented students from South Odisha will not be allowed to go in vain. This decision will give a new lease of life to their careers.” He reiterated his commitment to safeguard the interests of the students.
