BJP Leaders Urge Nadda to Review SMVDIME Admissions, Flag Public Concerns
Shrine Board Medical College Admissions Spark Uproar; J&K BJP Seeks Central Intervention
New Delhi/JAMMU, Dec 2: A senior delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party met Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda in New Delhi today to convey the growing public unease surrounding the first batch of MBBS admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra. The institution, established under the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, has witnessed intense scrutiny and public debate ever since the release of its maiden admission list.
The delegation included Union MoS (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, J&K BJP President and MP Sat Sharma, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, MPs Jugal Kishore Sharma and Ghulam Ali Khatana, and MLAs Dr Devinder Manyal, Sham Lal Sharma and R S Pathania. They briefed the Union Health Minister on the widespread emotional and social concern expressed by devotees, civil society groups, and religious organisations who regard the Shrine and its affiliated institutions as sacred public trusts.
The BJP leaders informed the Minister that peaceful protests have already begun in various districts, with several organisations demanding clarity, transparency and a corrective review of the admission process. They cautioned that unless the concerns are addressed promptly, the issue may escalate into a larger public agitation, potentially destabilising the atmosphere of harmony around the revered Shrine.
While reaffirming their full respect for merit-based, constitutionally governed admission norms, the delegation highlighted three critical areas they believe require immediate attention. These include questions raised about the timeline and manner in which the Medical College was proposed, sanctioned and approved at various administrative levels, and the interplay of provisions in both the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Act and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Act.
The leaders urged the Union Minister to recognise the exceptional emotional sensitivity attached to the Shrine and its institutions, stressing that any government action must balance constitutional principles with the deep spiritual sentiments of millions of devotees. They requested a comprehensive review of the entire admission process, enhanced transparency, and the introduction of mechanisms capable of restoring public trust while remaining fully compliant with national regulations governing medical education.
Union Minister J P Nadda, according to sources, gave the delegation a patient and extensive hearing. He assured them that all aspects of the issue would be examined with utmost seriousness, fairness and strict adherence to established legal and regulatory frameworks. He emphasised that appropriate steps would be taken to address genuine concerns without compromising transparency or national medical standards.
The J&K BJP delegation expressed confidence that the Union Government would resolve the matter in a fair, timely and balanced manner that honours both constitutional obligations and public sentiments.
Later in the day, the delegation also met BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B L Santhosh and National General Secretary and J&K Incharge Tarun Chugh. They briefed the central leadership about the urgency of resolving the issue and the need to restore confidence among devotees and local communities.
