Jammu, Dec 02 (KNO): A delegation of Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Tuesday met Union Health Minister JP Nadda and urged a review of the controversial admission of 42 Muslim candidates in the first MBBS batch at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra.
The institute, run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), has a total of 50 seats.
The controversy erupted after over 40 Muslim students gained admission to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) through NEET merit. BJP and other Hindu leaders have protested, claiming some seats should be reserved for Hindus, noting that the institution is funded by contributions from Hindu devotees.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the BJP delegation, led by J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, included Union Minister in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, MPs Jugal Kishore Sharma and Ghulam Ali Khatana, and several MLAs, including Dr Devinder Manyal, Sham Lal Sharma, and RS Pathania.
The delegation expressed concern over the composition of the first batch, highlighting that 42 of the 50 seats have gone to non-Hindu candidates, the party said.
The party said the development had sparked resentment among devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and groups that have contributed financially to the shrine.
The leaders said various social and religious organisations were holding protests demanding greater transparency in the admission process.
They warned that if the issue was not addressed promptly, it could trigger large-scale agitations, potentially affecting the peaceful environment in the region.
Emphasising respect for merit-based medical admissions and constitutional provisions, the delegation urged the Health Minister to consider the sentiments of millions of devotees associated with SMVD institutions.
They requested a thorough review of the admission process, measures for transparency, and mechanisms to reassure devotees about their representation in the institute.
Nadda listened to the delegation and assured them that the Ministry would examine the matter seriously, according to the statement. He said all aspects of the issue would be reviewed, while maintaining compliance with national norms governing medical education—(KNO)