Relocating SMVD College a ‘Legal Obligation,’ Says CM Omar

Jammu : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated the government’s commitment to accommodate 50 students affected by the decision of the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) to withdraw permission for the MBBS course at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Reasi district.
Talking to reporters here, CM Omar said the students, who secured admission through merit in the NEET examination, would be adjusted in other government medical colleges nearer to their homes via supernumerary seats — additional positions created beyond the approved intake.
“It is our legal responsibility to accommodate them. We will adjust them by creating supernumerary seats in colleges close to their homes so that their education does not suffer,” he stated, adding that the process would be straightforward and expedited,” he added.
The NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board revoked the Letter of Permission on January 6, citing non-compliance with minimum standards, including deficiencies in infrastructure, faculty, and clinical material. The order also mandated the UT administration to relocate the admitted students as supernumerary seats.
CM Omar emphasized that the current batch’s merit-based selection must be protected, noting discussions with Health Minister Sakina Itoo to ensure seamless continuation of their studies.
“These students have passed the NEET examination in a lawful manner. They have merit,” he said.
However, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the long-term impact of the closure, questioning the loss of future opportunities for Jammu region aspirants.
He pointed out that while the first batch had around 40 students from Kashmir, an expansion to 400-500 seats could have benefited 250-300 local students from Jammu.
“Where will those students go now?” he asked, criticizing protests that led to the shutdown of a fully equipped institution.
CM Omar remarked that while people across the country compete fiercely for medical colleges, Jammu witnessed efforts to close one.
“We are perhaps the only place where we received a fully built medical college and yet got it shut down due to protests,” he said