J.B. Koshy, J.

Petitioner is a scheduled caste student who completed B.Sc. Nursing programme in Indira Gandhi National Open University. Before joining B.Sc. Nursing course, she passed pre-degree course with science subjects as optionals (10+2) in the year 1987. She-also undergone Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery Certificate course conducted by the Kerala Nurses' and Midwifery Council in the year 1989. Duration of the above course is 18 months and is also recognized and accepted by the Indian Nursing Council. After passing the ANM certificate course petitioner joined the Kerala State Health Service as Junior Public Health Nurse in 1989 and has more than 81/2 years experience in the profession. Indira Gandhi National Open University, a Government aided institution has issued prospectus for admission to B.Sc. Nursing degree programme. The above University is conducting courses to help the economically backward persons who cannot afford studying in regular Universities to get higher education. B.Sc. Nursing course for the in-service students was started for the following objects as mentioned in the Prospectus:

"The preparation and launching of B.Sc. Nursing degree programme has been