The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn permission for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. This decision, announced Tuesday, cited the college’s non-compliance with minimum standards . The move has triggered strong, contrasting reactions from major political parties and local organizations across the region.
NMC Decision Details
The NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) issued the formal withdrawal order. Crucially, the order specifies that all 50 students admitted for the academic year 2025-26 will be accommodated. These students will receive supernumerary seats in other medical institutions within Jammu and Kashmir, overseen by the Union Territory administration.
BJP and Sangarsh Samiti Welcome Move
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Sangarsh Samiti, a local right-wing conglomerate, welcomed the NMC’s action. J-K BJP president Sat Sharma credited Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Lt Governor Manoj Sinha. Sharma stated the decision secured the future of admitted students. He also asserted that public agitation significantly influenced the outcome. Sharma linked the institute’s operation, funded by Hindu donations, to a "matter of faith," implying this justified the protests. "Had this been the case with any other medical college, we would not have politicized the issue," Sharma said.
Sangarsh Samiti’s Agitation
The Sangarsh Samiti had spearheaded an agitation in Jammu since November last year. Their primary demands included the cancellation of all existing admissions and the exclusive reservation of seats for Hindu students. The Samiti celebrated the NMC’s announcement with public festivities, declaring an end to its 45-day long protest. Samiti convener Col (retd) Sukhvir Singh Mankotia announced continued vigilance over the Shrine Board, stating its mandate should remain focused solely on Hindu welfare, not "interfering in government activities."
Admission Controversy Root
The Samiti formed shortly after admissions for the college’s inaugural MBBS batch of 50 students concluded through the NEET merit list. The batch composition—42 Muslim students (mostly from Kashmir), seven Hindu students from Jammu, and one Sikh candidate—triggered the initial demands. Protesters called for scrapping these admissions and reserving all seats for Hindu students.
Opposition Slams Closure
The National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongly condemned the college’s closure, labeling it a severe setback for Jammu. NC Media Incharge Vivek Sharma described the agitation as "wrongly motivated," driven by "divisive politics" that specifically targeted Muslim students. He emphasized the "irreparable loss" for the region, citing hundreds of teaching and non-teaching jobs linked to the college, which now "stand effectively quashed." Sharma stated this directly impacts families, livelihoods, and Jammu’s regional economy. He criticized the "politics of hate," arguing institutions should be strengthened through "dialogue, compliance, and reform," not "sacrificed to communal agendas."
Political Blame and Betrayal
PDP spokesperson Aditya Gupta laid blame on both the BJP and the National Conference for the college’s closure. Gupta reiterated that the shutdown was a "big setback" for Jammu. He further claimed it represented a "betrayal by BJP with the people of the region," suggesting the party failed to protect the institution.