Capability, Not Community : J&K Deputy CM Rebukes BJP in Medical College Row

Suhail Khan

Jammu, Nov 25:Amid an escalating political controversy over admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for inflaming communal tensions. He asserted that student selection must be based solely on merit.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a public function in Jammu, Choudhary, as per Kashmir Convener, emphasized that a student’s community or religion is irrelevant. “What is important is their capability,” he stated.

The Deputy CM clarified that all admitted students qualified through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). “When we are in an era of competition, admissions must be granted on a competitive basis,” he said.

He cautioned against framing the issue in religious terms, citing the region’s troubled history. “If we now start talking about education in the name of religion, I do not think capable people will come forward after that,” Choudhary warned. He added that developing skilled professionals requires a commitment to educational quality.

Addressing those amplifying the controversy, the Deputy Chief Minister said, “I don’t think we should give importance to this matter.” He urged critics to recognize and promote student capability regardless of religious background.

The political dispute erupted after a cohort of students, reported to be predominantly Muslim, gained admission to SMVDIME—an institution funded by donations to the Hindu shrine. Hindu organizations and BJP leaders have protested, arguing that the institute should prioritize Hindu students.

University officials have consistently maintained that all admissions are purely merit-based, conducted according to national NEET guidelines and Jammu & Kashmir domicile rules.

In response to the backlash, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is reportedly considering a proposal to grant the college Hindu minority status. Such a designation would legally permit religious-based reservations in admissions.

However, officials have clarified that without this formal status, the college is bound by National Medical Commission regulations. These mandate a centralized counseling process based exclusively on NEET merit and domicile, with no provision for religious considerations.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also reacted to the issue on Monday, stating that the debate is diverging from constitutional principles. He cautioned that introducing religion as a criterion for admissions would set a dangerous precedent.

Referencing the state assembly act that established the university, Abdullah questioned, “When the assembly passed the bill to establish Mata Vaishno Devi University, where was it written that boys and girls of one religion would be excluded?”

He affirmed that the act explicitly mandates admissions based on merit. “At that time, it was stated that admission would be based on merit, not religion. Now, when admission decisions follow merit, some people are unhappy,” the Chief Minister stated.