The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, has had its letter of permission withdrawn by the National Medical Commission (NMC) just months after beginning its first academic session. The decision leaves the future of the institution and its faculty uncertain.
Contested Decision
The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the NMC cited a failure to meet “minimum standards” following a surprise inspection on January 2nd. However, faculty and students allege the decision stemmed from local political pressure, not academic deficiencies. Weeks of protests led up to the withdrawal, organized by the Sangharsh Samiti, a conglomerate of right-wing organizations backed by the BJP.
The Sangharsh Samiti reportedly lobbied for the cancellation of admissions for these students and advocated for reserving all seats for Hindu students. Despite the NMC’s stated reasons, faculty members, speaking anonymously, maintain the institution met the necessary standards.
Impact on Students and Faculty
The MARB order states that students admitted for the 2025-26 academic year will be accommodated as supernumerary seats in other medical institutions within Jammu and Kashmir. No official communication has been released by the medical college itself. Around 150 individuals reportedly left previous employment in government and private sectors to join the new institution, and now face an uncertain professional future.
Faculty members have questioned the speed of the NMC’s decision, noting that standard protocols – including a show-cause notice allowing for a response and potential rectification – were bypassed. They believe the NMC’s findings are contestable and linked to the “unrest created in the Jammu region.”
Possible Paths Forward
Faculty members suggest two potential options for the future of the college. The first involves securing a no-objection certificate from the chief minister to allow admissions through central counseling, mirroring the process used by Sharda University in Uttar Pradesh. The second option is to pursue deemed university status, building upon the existing faculties of medicine, nursing, and social sciences.
Faculty members believe the college possesses the infrastructure and faculty to become a leading medical institution, and students have expressed distress over the decision, emphasizing their admission was based solely on merit. One student from Budgam stated they faced no discrimination on campus, while a student from Udhampur called the decision “a big mistake.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What reason did the NMC give for withdrawing permission?
The Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) of the NMC cited a failure to meet “minimum standards” following a surprise inspection on January 2nd.
What are the students’ options now?
The MARB order states that students admitted for the 2025-26 academic year will be accommodated as supernumerary seats in other medical institutions within Jammu and Kashmir.
What alternatives have been proposed for the future of the college?
Faculty members have suggested seeking a no-objection certificate for central counseling or pursuing deemed university status.
Given the current situation, what steps might best ensure the long-term viability of medical education in the region?
