BJP, protest groups welcome recognition withdrawal of medical college
Jammu/Srinagar: 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.
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 JK as supernumerary seats by the competent authority of the UT administration.
“We welcome the decision of the National Medical Commission’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board, Union Health Minister J P Nadda and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha for withdrawing the permission but at the same time securing the future of the students,” J-K BJP president Sat Sharma told reporters here.
He credited the groups who pressed for the cancellation of the admissions, saying the institute is run by donations by Hindus.
“I want to give the credit for this success to Mata Vaishno Devi because this was a matter of faith. Had this been the case with any other medical college, we would not have politicised the issue. NMC acted on the complaints and Nadda ensured that the future of the admitted students is secured which is worth praise,” Sharma said.
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.
