Suhail Khan
Jammu, Jan 08 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has demanded a full explanation from the National Medical Council (NMC) over its sudden decision to revoke the MBBS course permission granted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), terming the move a blow to the future of medical education in Jammu and Kashmir.
The NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) withdrew the Letter of Permission (LoP) to SMVDIME on January 6 after a surprise inspection uncovered what it called “irregularities” in infrastructure and compliance. The directive requires the transfer of 50 already-admitted students to other state medical colleges.
Addressing reporters on Thursday at the Convention Centre In Jammu CM Omar as per Kashmir Convener challenged the NMC’s oversight mechanism. “First, they must clarify who inspected and approved the college initially,” he said. “Those celebrating this decision must answer why standards were not maintained from the beginning.”
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shifted focus to the institutional leadership of the university overseeing SMVDIME. “Who is the head of this university? Who is the Chancellor? They should be questioned in the same manner questions are being posed to me. Accountability must be fixed, and action taken against those responsible for failing to uphold norms.”
While confirming that his administration has directed the Health Ministry to accommodate the affected students through supernumerary seats in nearby colleges, CM Omar emphasized that the implications extend far beyond one batch.
“This is not just about 50 students, it is about hundreds of future aspirants who have been deprived of opportunity,” he said. “This college was slated to expand to 400 seats. If around 40 Muslim students were admitted this year, in the future up to 250 students from Jammu could have benefited. Someone must answer for this loss.”
The NMC’s move follows months of agitation by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and allied groups opposing admissions granted largely to Muslim students from the Kashmir Valley based on NEET rankings. Political observers have warned that the revocation could inflame regional and communal sensitivities.
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