SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the withdrawal of permission to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), terming the move a reflection of a “deeply entrenched anti-Jammu mindset”.
Addressing a press conference at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra accused the BJP-led dispensation of orchestrating a conspiracy to sabotage a key institution of higher medical education in the Jammu region. He said the denial of permission by the National Medical Commission (NMC), citing serious deficiencies in infrastructure, faculty and clinical standards, had pushed an institution of “professional promise” into uncertainty, jeopardising the academic future of thousands of aspiring doctors.
Sadhotra said SMVDIME, if allowed to function smoothly, had the potential to expand far beyond its initial intake of 50 MBBS seats, significantly benefiting Jammu’s youth and strengthening the region’s healthcare system. “Snatching away such an institution at a nascent stage amounts to throttling Jammu’s growth and aspirations,” he said.
Expressing shock over the developments, the NC leader questioned how a medical institute functioning under the direct administrative control of the Lieutenant Governor could fail to meet mandatory norms. He said such a lapse could not be brushed aside as routine, alleging either gross administrative incompetence or a mala fide intent engineered by what he described as an “anti-Jammu BJP”. Both scenarios, he asserted, warranted accountability.
Mr Sadhotra demanded that those responsible for the deficiencies flagged by the NMC be identified and proceeded against, and questioned why timely corrective measures were not undertaken despite repeated claims by the BJP of strengthening medical education in Jammu and Kashmir.
Accusing the BJP of consistently compromising the interests and aspirations of the Jammu region, he said the people were “intelligent enough to read between the lines” and recognise how institutions meant to empower local youth were being weakened while political rhetoric continued.
Reiterating the National Conference’s stand, Sadhotra said the party would not allow the careers of young students to be derailed due to political indifference or administrative failure. He said the NC would mobilise public opinion and raise the issue at every democratic forum.
The NC leader, however, welcomed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s intervention in the matter, particularly his directions to the Health Minister to ensure that students already selected for admission are accommodated in other medical colleges. He described the move as reflective of the Chief Minister’s commitment to safeguarding students’ futures.
Sadhotra also urged the Lieutenant Governor, in his capacity as Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, to immediately address the deficiencies and restore permission to SMVDIME, asserting that the National Conference would continue its fight against any attempt to undermine Jammu and Kashmir’s educational and developmental interests.
