Jammu, 02 Dec :A high-level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (J&K BJP) called on Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda in New Delhi to discuss the growing controversy surrounding admissions to the MBBS seats in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
The delegation comprised J&K BJP President and MP (Rajya Sabha) Sat Sharma, Union MoS in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, LoP Sunil Sharma, MP (Lok Sabha) Jugal Kishore Sharma, MP (Rajya Sabha) Ghulam Ali Khatana, MLAs Dr. Devinder Manyal, Sham Lal Sharma and Adv. RS Pathania.
They conveyed to the Union Health Minister the deep resentment brewing among devotees and civil society groups over the composition of the first batch of 50 MBBS seats. They said that 42 out of the 50 seats have been allotted to non-Hindu candidates, a development that has triggered strong reactions among devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and among those who have contributed financially to the shrine.
The delegation informed the Minister that various social and religious organizations have begun holding protests, expressing dissatisfaction and demanding transparency and corrective measures in the admission process. They cautioned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, a large-scale agitation could emerge in the coming days, potentially disturbing the peaceful environment of the region.
These party leaders said that while the BJP respects the merit-based and constitutional framework of medical admissions, it is equally important to acknowledge the sentiments of millions of devotees associated with the shrine. They urged the Union Health Minister to understand the gravity of the situation and intervene appropriately so that a solution can be found that respects the emotional connect devotees have with SMVD institution.
The delegation appealed for a thorough review of the admission process, greater transparency, and consideration of mechanisms that ensure devotees feel represented and reassured.
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured them that the matter would be examined with due seriousness. He assured that the Ministry would look into all aspects of the issue and take appropriate steps to address the concerns raised, while ensuring compliance with national medical education norms.
The Jammu and Kashmir BJP leaders expressed confidence that the union government will take timely action to ensure a fair and acceptable resolution.
