The medical college, built on 34 acres of land owned by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, was granted permission by the National Medical Commission on September 8 to commence admissions for the session.
Later, National Medical Commission (NMC) rejected the proposal received from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, seeking to place 100 percent of its MBBS seats under the All India Quota (AIQ) to be filled through the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
The institute's request to NMC came amid the ongoing controversy concerning the MBBS admission process at Katra-based Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Institute of Medical Excellence. In the Jammu region, protests were launched against the revelation that 90% of the students admitted to the medical college are Muslim students belonging to Kashmir.
After the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE) released a list of 50 candidates for the Vaishnodevi Institute of Medical Excellence, it came to light that among these 50 candidates, 42 hail from the Kashmir region, while eight students hail from Jammu. Already 36 candidates from Kashmir and three candidates from Jammu have taken admission.
For over a fortnight, dozens of protests have been held by several organisations in Jammu and other places against the grant of a majority of MBBS seats to Muslim students, mostly from Kashmir, through the NEET merit list last month in the Shri Vaishno Devi Medical College in Reasi district.
Now, according to a recent PTI report, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sangharsh Samiti (SMVSS) on Wednesday held protests across Jammu demanding the scrapping of admissions of Muslim students to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College and reservation of seats for Hindu students on the lines of Muslim and Sikh institutions.
The protesters have been demanding a probe, alleging a major conspiracy against the educational institution. The protests by the SMVSS and other organisations were held in Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, Katra, Rajouri, Samba, Ramban, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah and Doda.
Also Read:Protest erupts over MBBS admissions at Vaishno Devi Medical College demanding change in university byelaws
In Kathua, the protesters burnt an effigy of the government and raised slogans against it. In Jammu, protests were held by the SMVSS, the Jammu Bar Association and other organisations at dozens of locations.
"Approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people recorded their presence at more than 40 locations across the division, expressing deep resentment against the shrine board and the government," SMVSS convener Colonel Sukhvir Singh Mankotia said.
He said the SMVSS will not rest until this "unjust decision" is overturned. The row erupted after the medical college completed admissions through the NEET merit list last month. Of the inaugural MBBS batch of 50, 42 Muslim candidates, seven Hindu students from Jammu and one Sikh were selected.
Also Read:Religion based seat reservation unacceptable, says Mehbooba Mufti on Row over MBBS admissions at Vaishno Devi medical college
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.