Srinagar: As a high-level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party Tuesday called on Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, J.P.Nadda in New Delhi to discuss the growing concerns over the recent MBBS admissions at Shri MataVaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah reacted, saying the government would have “no objection” to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College Jammu reserving admissions for students of a particular religion, but only if the institution first returns the free land allotted to it and stops receiving government grants.
The BJP delegation comprised Union MoS (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh, J&K BJP President & MP (Rajya Sabha) Sat Sharma CA, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, MPs Jugal Kishore Sharma and Ghulam Ali Khatana, and MLAs Dr. Devinder Manyal, Sham Lal Sharma and R. S. Pathania.
The BJP in a statement said that the leaders apprised the Union Minister of the widespread public concern and emotional disquiet over the composition of the first batch of MBBS admissions, which has led to deep unease among devotees, stakeholders and civil society groups associated with the Shrine and its institutions.
“The delegation further informed that multiple social and religious organisations have initiated peaceful protests, seeking transparency and clarity in the admission process, and cautioned that if left unresolved, the issue could escalate into a wider public agitation, disturbing the otherwise peaceful atmosphere of the region. While reiterating full faith in the constitutional, merit-based and legally mandated framework of medical admissions, the delegation identified three core issues that lie at the root of the current controversy – the chronology in which the Medical College was sanctioned, planned and pushed through various stages of approval has also come under scrutiny, enactment of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Act, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Act.
In this context, the delegation urged the Union Health Minister to appreciate the extraordinary sensitivity, emotional quotient and spiritual significance related to the Shrine and its institutions, and to intervene in a manner that balances constitutional values, legal compliance and public trust,” the statement reads, according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service Reports said that Union Health Minister Shri J.P. Nadda gave the delegation a patient and detailed hearing and assured them that the matter would be examined with due seriousness, sensitivity and in strict adherence to established norms and laws.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah said that his government would have “no objection” to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College Jammu reserving admissions for students of a particular religion, but only if the institution first returns the free land allotted to it and stops receiving government grants.
Addressing reporters in Jammu, Omar said the current laws and constitutional provisions do not permit religion-based admissions in the medical college. “As long as the college is operating on government land and receiving government assistance, it cannot restrict admissions on religious grounds,” he said.
“When the decision was taken to set up a medical college at the university, it was already known that seats could not be distributed on the basis of religion. Approval was granted on the basis of NEET. The only criterion of NEET is merit,” Abdullah told reporters here.
The National Conference leader, who was on his way to Jammu via Poonch and Rajouri from Srinagar, said those who secured admission through NEET are now being punished because of their religion. “Neither the law nor the Constitution permits this, nor does the policy of the university allow denial of admission on this basis.”
“If you want the distribution of seats on the basis of religion, then you must stop taking grant-in-aid and the land given free of cost — you must pay for both. Only then can you change the university rules to reserve seats for one religion. We will have no objection to that,” the chief minister said.
On the condition of roads in the Pir Panjal region, the chief minister said it was due to construction underway.
“The condition of the roads is not bad because work is not going on, the roads are in poor shape because work is going on. Road-widening, four-laning, and tunnel projects are underway. Wherever tunnel work is going on, maintenance of the existing roads should be carried out,” he said.
Abdullah said he had seen the state of roads while travelling from Srinagar to Rajouri via the Mughal Road through Bafliaz and Poonch.
“I left Srinagar at 6.30 am and travelled via the Mughal Road. I have seen the condition of the roads,” he said, adding he would take up the issue with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, as the roads fall under the Border Roads Organisation.
On border safety measures, the chief minister said work on bunker construction was apace.
“Our priority is to ensure that the situation on the borders remains calm. The construction of bunkers is underway. Both community and individual bunkers will be built,” he said.
Abdullah also went to the house of Poonch MLA Aijaz Ahmed Jan to express his condolences on the demise of his mother.
