Vaishno Devi Medical College's Recognition Revoked: Students to Be Shifted to Other Colleges

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In a shocking turn of events, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi has had its Letter of Permission (LoP) to run the MBBS course revoked by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The decision was made due to serious concerns over the college's infrastructure, lack of adequate clinical material, and insufficient teaching staff. The move comes after a controversy erupted over the admission of 46 Muslim students out of a total of 50 in the maiden batch. Local residents and Hindu organisations had demanded a reservation for Hindu candidates, citing the college's reliance on donations from Hindu devotees at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. Despite the controversy, the NMC has ensured that students already admitted to the college will not lose their seats. Instead, they will be accommodated in other recognised medical colleges in Jammu and Kashmir, in addition to their approved intake capacity. The decision was made after a surprise inspection found 'gross and substantial deficiencies' in the college's infrastructure and teaching standards. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has welcomed the move, accusing the BJP of pushing communal politics into education. The NMC has authorised state authorities to accommodate the students in other medical institutions within the Union Territory, safeguarding their interests and ensuring they do not lose their MBBS seats. The move is seen as a relief for the students, who will now be able to pursue their medical education without any interruptions.