Imphal, Feb. 18 : With the holding of the first ever examination for the various nursing institutes in the State, the long cherished dream to have a Manipur Nursing Council has today become a reality.

It was the first nursing examination in Manipur under the Manipur Nursing council following the approval of the Council in the State by the government.

Manipur had been conducting the nursing examinations under the Assam Nursing Council (ANC) until July last year.

"Setting up the Manipur Nursing Council is very good. Earlier, when we had to go for our exams in Assam, transportation was difficult. But now, it is convenient and I am really happy," said Ch. Bidyabati Devi, one Manipuri student.

"To have Manipur nursing council in Manipur is a great privilege for us, the students, especially because in the past years we were writing our exams in Assam Nursing council and it gets difficult. Now as a student of Manipur, we are thankful to the government as well for providing us Manipur Nursing council," said Judith Shunate Hmar, a Manipuri student.

This will enable to take the exam in Manipur and save on the expenses incurred on travelling out of the state.

"I am very happy. There is no confusion during the examinations. I can solve any problem over here immediately and successfully with the help of my assistants, deputy and all the teachers, principal," said Th. Bimola Devi, Registrar of the Manipur Nursing Council.

There are presently 1,334 students enrolled in the 19 nursing institutes operating in the state. Various initiatives are also being taken up to improve the infrastructure and other facilities of all the nursing institutes in the state. (ANI)