NMC Withdraws Permission for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence
The National Medical Commission’s recent decision to withdraw permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence due to non-compliance with minimum standards has sparked a range of reactions in Jammu. While the BJP and Sangarsh Samiti have welcomed the move, the NC and PDP have labeled it as a setback for the region.
Initiating an agitation since November last year, the Sangharsh Samiti, supported by the BJP, has been pushing for the cancellation of admissions to the College. They have been advocating for the reservation of seats exclusively for students who follow the faith of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Following the completion of admissions for the first MBBS batch comprising 50 students, the composition of which included 42 Muslim students from Kashmir, seven Hindu students from Jammu, and one Sikh candidate, demands were raised to scrap the admissions and reserve all seats for Hindu students.
The National Medical Commission’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) recently withdrew the permission granted to the Institute in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi due to non-compliance with minimum standards.
An order issued by the MARB stated that all students admitted to the college during the counselling for the academic year 2025-26 will be accommodated in other medical institutions in Jammu and Kashmir as supernumerary seats by the competent authority of the Union Territory administration.
J-K BJP president Sat Sharma expressed his approval of the decision and credited the National Medical Commission, Union Health Minister J P Nadda, and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha for ensuring the future of the students despite the withdrawal of permission.
Sharma highlighted that while the permission was revoked due to non-compliance with minimum standards, various socio-political groups had been protesting for days to cancel the admissions, emphasizing that the institute operates on donations from Hindus.
He further praised the intervention of Nadda in securing the future of the admitted students, acknowledging the significance of the matter to the faith community.
Responding to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s comments on the issue, Sharma dismissed any blame on his government, criticizing Abdullah for diverting attention from providing basic facilities to the people.
Celebrations erupted among the Samiti members following the decision of the NMC, with drums beating and sweets being distributed to mark the end of their 45-day long agitation.
On the other hand, National Conference representative Vivek Sharma expressed disappointment over the closure of the Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College, attributing it to a misguided agitation fueled by divisive politics.
He emphasized the adverse impact on both Hindu and Muslim students, along with the loss of hundreds of jobs associated with the medical college, affecting the regional economy of Jammu.
Condemning the “politics of hate,” Sharma called for strengthening institutions through dialogue and reform rather than succumbing to communal agendas.
PDP spokesperson Aditya Gupta blamed both the BJP and National Conference for the closure of the College, labeling it as a betrayal to the people of Jammu.
The closure of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College has stirred controversy and differing opinions, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region.
