NC, PDP, Cong oppose move
Jammu Tawi, Jan 7 : The NMC’s decision to withdraw permission granted for setting up an MBBS course in a Jammu college over its non-compliance of “minimum standards” has evoked mixed reactions, with the BJP and protest groups welcoming the move, while the NC, Congress and PDP have termed it a setback.
The Sangharsh Samiti, a recently formed conglomerate of right-wing organisations backed by the BJP, has been spearheading an agitation in Jammu since November, demanding the cancellation of admissions to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence and seeking reservation of seats exclusively for students professing faith in Mata Vaishno Devi.
The Samiti emerged soon after admissions for the inaugural MBBS batch of 50 students was completed through the NEET merit list. Of these, 42 students are Muslims-mostly from Kashmir, seven are Hindu students from Jammu and one Sikh candidate.
The National Medical Commission on Tuesday withdrew the letter of permission granted to the institute in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi for not complying with minimum standards.
According to an official order, all students admitted to the college during the counselling for the academic year 2025-26 shall be accommodated in other medical institutions in J-K as supernumerary seats by the competent authority of the UT administration.
The Sangharsh Samiti celebrated the decision with drum beats and sweets in Jammu.
“We call off our 45-day long successful agitation but we will continue to keep watch on the activities of Shrine Board which should work only for the welfare of the Hindus rather than interfering in government activities,” Samiti convener Col (retd) Sukhvir Singh Mankotia told reporters.
National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders criticised the BJP for the revocation of the college’s recognition over its “politics of division”.
“It is unfortunate. People have been playing politics in the name of mandir-masjid, but today, we are playing politics in the name of admissions in big institutions based on religion and region,” J-K Minister for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs Javed Rana told reporters.
Rana said his party has always maintained that the BJP’s intentions were not right and that such decisions take the country “back by a thousand years.
Asserting that J-K has always been an example to Hindu-Muslim bonhomie, Rana said the decision came after “an atmosphere was created” for it, a reference to protests in Jammu. He said the J-K government will make efforts to maintain religious brotherhood.
NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said “constitutional bodies are coming under the pressure of the right wing”.
“…what explains how the NMC gave consent to the same college and revoked it after a month. Because of the BJP’s communal stance, J-K missed out on an opportunity to have one more medical college,” Dar said.
He added that across the country, people fight to get a medical college, but “here the BJP has ensured that J-K lost a medical college because of its communal politics”.
NC media in charge (Pir Panjal) Vivek Sharma said an agitation, driven by “divisive politics” to target Muslim students under a false narrative ended up hurting Hindu students as well.
He said students may still study in other institutions, but “hundreds of teaching and non-teaching jobs linked to the medical college stand effectively quashed, which is a direct blow to families, livelihoods, and the regional economy of Jammu”.
PDP MLA Waheed Para said the move sends a very negative message against the minorities across the country.
“It is unfortunate that the BJP, which is in power in Centre and also here because of UT, believes in division — institutional division — and disallows meritorious students on religious lines because they are Muslims.
“The registration of the institute has been cancelled because of that,” Para told reporters in Anantnag district.
PDP spokesperson Aditya Gupta held that both BJP and NC are responsible. “It is a big setback to Jammu and reflects betrayal by BJP with the people of the region,” he said.
The Congress said it was a “deliberate and unjustified blow” to the aspirations of the Jammu region.
J-K Congress Working President Raman Bhalla said the decision deprived students of advanced medical education, weakened healthcare infrastructure and closed potential employment avenues.
“This discriminatory move reflects the step-motherly treatment and continued neglect of Jammu,” Bhalla alleged during a mass contact program in the forward areas of the R S Pura border belt.
Bhalla also alleged a delay in giving compensation for losses suffered by farmers due to heavy rains and flash floods. He also said recruitment across departments have stalled due to the unresolved reservation policy, and demanded the regularisation of daily wagers and other workers.
LoP hails NMC decision on SMVDIME, Slams CM’s ‘Communal Spin’
Jammu Tawi, Jan 7:
Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Tuesday welcomed the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) decision to withdraw the Letter of Permission (LoP) granted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College of Excellence, terming it a “historic and faith-affirming” step.
Sharma said the decision was taken after the NMC found serious irregularities during its inspection and asserted that the move safeguards both the academic future of students and the deep public faith associated with the Vaishno Devi Shrine.
“I welcome the historic decision of the National Medical Commission to withdraw the LoP after serious irregularities were found during inspection. This step not only addresses long-standing concerns but also protects the future of MBBS students,” Sharma said, adding that accommodating affected students in other medical colleges reflected a “responsible and student-centric approach.”
He expressed gratitude to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the NMC for what he termed their commitment to transparency, accountability and respect for religious sentiments.
NMC Findings Cited
Referring to the inspection carried out by the National Assessment and Rating Board of the NMC, Sharma said several shortcomings were detected, prompting the Commission to withdraw the permission.
“Keeping these irregularities in view, the LoP was withdrawn and all MBBS students were adjusted in other medical colleges. The Health Ministry, NMC and the Lieutenant Governor deserve full credit for ensuring fairness and sensitivity,” he said.
Faith and Public Sentiment
The LoP said the decision has restored the faith of millions of devotees who hold the Vaishno Devi Shrine in high reverence.
“When students from multiple communities were admitted, the sentiments of Sanatanis and Hindus across the country were hurt. Offerings made at the shrine are meant for religious and spiritual purposes,” Sharma said, adding that the involvement of the Shrine Board in running a medical college had affected religious sentiments.
He said the NMC’s action had “enhanced the dignity of faith and devotion” linked to the shrine.
Criticism of Omar Abdullah
Sharma also criticised former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accusing him of attempting to give the issue a communal colour.
“The way Omar Abdullah tried to turn this issue into a Hindu-Muslim debate has been strongly rejected. The focus has always been on safeguarding students’ careers and protecting the sanctity of the shrine,” he said.
He clarified that the BJP had no objection to any individual or student but was concerned about preserving the spiritual character of the shrine and ensuring offerings were not diverted from their intended religious purpose.
Demand for Gurukul, Veda Research Centre
Reiterating the BJP’s demand, Sharma said a Gurukul and Veda Research Centre should be established at Katra instead.
“There are many institutions across the country to produce doctors, but this shrine should remain a centre of devotion and spiritual learning,” he said.
Calling the decision a reaffirmation of BJP’s commitment to faith, Sharma said, “The sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been honoured. I once again thank Health Minister J.P. Nadda and the National Medical Commission for this decision.” — (KNO)
