Department of Health and Family Welfare vide notification dated the 17th November, 2023 has issued National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (Manner of Appointment and Nomination of Members, Secretary and Members of Autonomous Boards, their Salary, Allowances and Terms and Conditions of Service, and Declaration of Assets, Professional and Commercial Engagements) Rules, 2023.
Objections and suggestions, if any, may be addressed to Shri Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Nursing Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Room No.504, A Wing, Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi, or may be sent through e-mail at rakesh.vagri84@gov.in and nursing-mohfw@gov.in within 30 days.
Appointment Criteria for Nursing and Midwifery Leaders
Rule 3 outlines the qualifications and experience required for a Nursing and Midwifery leader. This ensures that individuals appointed possess the necessary academic background, registration, and substantial experience in the field. Such stringent criteria aim to guarantee the leadership’s proficiency and commitment to the advancement of nursing and midwifery education.
Zonal Distribution and Nomination Process
Rule 4 establishes a systematic zonal distribution of states and Union Territories, fostering a balanced representation. The nomination process outlined in Rules 5 to 8 emphasizes transparency, fair selection, and periodic rotations, thereby preventing any concentration of power.
Manner of Appointment and Qualifications for Members
Rules 5 to 9 lay down the procedural intricacies of appointing Commission members, considering diverse backgrounds and experiences. The rules ensure that members possess the requisite qualifications and adhere to a fair selection process. The deputation aspect ensures that individuals serving in the government continue to operate within the existing regulatory framework.
Compensation and Benefits
Rules 11 to 14 address the financial aspects of the Commission, including salaries, allowances, dearness allowance, and leave policies for the Chairperson and Members. These provisions aim to attract qualified individuals to the Commission while maintaining financial prudence.
Autonomous Boards and Their Governance
Rules 22 to 27 delineate the functioning of Autonomous Boards, covering their composition, appointments, salaries, and leave policies. These rules ensure the consistent application of principles governing the Commission to its constituent boards, fostering a cohesive and unified regulatory approach.
Powers and Functions of the Commission
Rule 28 extends the powers and functions of the Commission to include cost reduction studies, technology adoption, and regulation-making processes. The Commission’s commitment to reducing the cost of nursing education underscores its dedication to accessibility and quality.
Transparency and Accountability
The rules underscore the importance of transparency by mandating the disclosure of assets, liabilities, and professional engagements for both Commission members and the Secretary. This promotes accountability and ensures that stakeholders are aware of potential conflicts of interest.
