Urges Centre, NMC to Reconsider Withdrawal; Cites Public Investment, Student Careers at Stake
Srinagar, Jan 17 (KNS): National Conference legislator Tanvir Sadiq has tabled a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly urging the Central Government to reconsider the regulatory decision to withdraw permission for the MBBS programme at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) revoked the college's Letter of Permission, citing "non-compliance with minimum standards" and "extensive deficiencies" in faculty, clinical resources, and infrastructure.
According to sources, the Private Member's resolution calls upon the Union Government and the NMC to "immediately review and reconsider" the withdrawal. It requests a "fair and transparent reassessment" and all necessary steps to reinstate the course at the SMVD Institute of Medical Excellence, highlighting the institution's role in serving the region's healthcare needs through substantial public investment.
The resolution contends that regulatory issues should have been addressed through corrective measures and a reasonable opportunity for compliance.
The NMC's decision followed protests by some groups objecting to the admission of a significant number of non-Hindu candidates to the course. The matter is expected to be a prominent issue in the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly next month.
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In related comments, MLA Sadiq accused both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Peoples Democratic Party of adopting a similar stance on the controversy.
He alleged that the BJP's actions had "severely impacted student careers," while criticising the PDP leadership for "indulging in politics over a sensitive educational issue." He described it as "unfortunate" that a party would, in his view, be "determined to undermine students' futures."
MLA Sadiq claimed it was unprecedented for a political party to seek a medical college's closure in Delhi, an act he termed "deeply damaging." He further alleged that the PDP was also engaging in political maneuvering rather than steadfastly supporting the students.
The NC leader asserted that public opinion in Jammu opposes the college's closure, suggesting only "fringe elements" are promoting a divisive narrative. He emphasised universal parental support for educational opportunities and cautioned against rhetoric that harms social harmony or diverts focus from substantive issues like education and employment. (KNS)