The National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn the Letter of Permission granted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Jammu and Kashmir, bringing a sudden halt to its MBBS program. The decision follows weeks of protests and a detailed inspection that reportedly found serious shortcomings in the institution’s infrastructure and academic preparedness.
The college, located in Katra in Reasi district, is run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and was set to admit 50 MBBS students this academic year.
What Triggered the Controversy?
The issue erupted after 42 out of 50 MBBS seats were allotted to Muslim candidates, triggering strong protests from several Hindu organizations. Protesters argued that since the medical college is funded largely through donations made by devotees at the Vaishno Devi shrine, it should give preference to Hindu students.
The protests quickly gained political and social traction, turning the issue into a sensitive debate about religious funding, educational rights, and institutional fairness.
NMC Steps In After Inspection
Amid the escalating controversy, the National Medical Commission conducted an inspection of the college. According to officials, the inspection team pointed out several deficiencies related to staffing, infrastructure, and overall preparedness to conduct MBBS classes.
Based on these findings, the NMC decided to revoke the college’s approval to run its MBBS program.
Senior BJP leader and MLA RS Pathania confirmed the development, saying the decision was taken strictly on regulatory grounds.
“The NMC has revoked the permission for 50 MBBS seats as the institute did not meet the required standards. All affected students will be shifted to supernumerary seats in other government medical colleges in the Union Territory,” he said.
Students to Be Transferred Safely
In a relief to students who had already secured admission, authorities assured that none of them would lose their seats. They will be accommodated in supernumerary seats across other medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring their academic year is not disrupted.
CM Omar Abdullah Calls for Closure
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier called for the college to be shut down and students moved to other institutions, citing administrative and academic concerns. His remarks came a day before the NMC made its final decision public.
Political and Social Impact
The episode has exposed the fragile intersection of religion, education, and governance in the region. While the protests focused on the religious aspect of the shrine board’s funding, the NMC maintained that its decision was driven solely by compliance failures and quality concerns.
What Happens Next?
With its MBBS approval withdrawn, the future of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence now hangs in the balance. The Shrine Board may apply again for permission after addressing the deficiencies highlighted by the NMC.
For now, the medical college remains closed for MBBS admissions.