The Congress Accuses Modi Government of Communalization of Education
The Congress has accused the Modi government of engaging in the “communalization of education” after the National Medical Commission revoked the permission for the MBBS course at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir. The party has demanded the reopening of the college.
The NMC’s decision to withdraw the Letter of Permission was based on non-compliance with minimum standards and deficiencies in faculty strength, clinical material, and infrastructure at the college. This move followed protests by the Sangharsh Samiti, a coalition of right-wing groups supported by the BJP, which called for the cancellation of admissions and the reservation of seats exclusively for students following the Mata Vaishno Devi faith.
Congress General Secretary in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir, Syed Naseer Hussain, criticized the government for what he termed as the “communalization of education.” He highlighted that admissions to the medical college were conducted based on the NEET exam, with a higher number of Muslim students securing admission due to the larger Muslim population in the region.
Hussain and J&K AICC Secretary Divvya Madernna questioned the sudden inspection that led to the cancellation of the college’s permission. They raised concerns about the fairness of the inspection process and whether external pressure influenced the decision.
Calling for corrective measures and the reopening of the medical college, the Congress leaders emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in such cases. They also highlighted a similar incident in Betul, Madhya Pradesh, where a school established by Abdul Naeem was demolished without proper investigation.
Madernna criticized the BJP government for what she described as a “Right to Demolish Education System,” contrasting it with the Right to Education Act introduced during the UPA government. She accused the BJP of undermining critical thinking and rationality in education to push its own agenda.
The Congress leaders called for a high-power committee to investigate both incidents and hold those responsible accountable. They urged the BJP to move away from what they termed as the “bulldozer culture” and toxic politics.
The Betul district administration defended the demolition in Dhaba village, stating that it was carried out due to incomplete formalities and not based on rumors of operating a madrasa or school from the structure. They clarified that only an illegal portion of the building was demolished.
Overall, the Congress has raised concerns about the politicization and communalization of education, calling for greater transparency, accountability, and respect for educational institutions in the country.
