J&K: NMC Revokes Approval for SMVD Medical College After Surprise Inspection
NMC has directed that all students admitted to SMVDIME during the 2025–26 counselling process be shifted to various Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar: In a significant development with far-reaching academic and political implications, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has withdrawn the Letter of Permission (LoP) earlier granted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) to start its MBBS programme with an intake of 50 students for the 2025–26 academic session. The decision follows a surprise inspection by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), which reportedly uncovered serious shortcomings in faculty strength, clinical material, and essential infrastructure at the newly established institution.
According to official sources, MARB issued the withdrawal order late on Tuesday evening after inspectors found that the institute lacked several mandatory components required under the NMC’s 2023 regulations. These deficiencies included an inadequate number of general beds, insufficient patient load, and the absence of key departments such as pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology—critical for second-year MBBS training. The findings prompted the Commission to conclude that the college was not in a position to meet the minimum standards necessary for medical education.
Following the cancellation of the LoP, the NMC has directed that all students admitted to SMVDIME during the 2025–26 counselling process be shifted to various Government Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. These students will be accommodated as supernumerary seats to ensure their academic careers remain unaffected. The institute’s bank guarantee is also set to be forfeited as part of the regulatory action.
The withdrawal of permission is expected to impact the ongoing agitation led by the SMVD Sangharsh Samiti, a coalition of social organisations protesting the admission of non-Hindu students to the Shrine Board–run medical college. The controversy began after the first batch of 50 MBBS students was admitted through the NEET merit list, comprising 42 Muslim candidates—mostly from the Kashmir Valley—seven Hindu students from Jammu, and one Sikh candidate. The demographic composition triggered protests from groups claiming that an institution funded by donations from Hindu devotees should reflect what they termed “religious sentiment.”
Political parties and organisations soon joined the debate. Some groups called for revoking the admissions, amending the Shrine Board and University Acts to allow religion-based preferences, and granting the institute minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution. A delegation led by senior BJP leaders submitted a memorandum to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha seeking these changes, framing the issue around “devotee welfare” and “religious balance.” Certain organisations also raised concerns over the religious composition of faculty members, alleging disproportionate representation.
These demands drew sharp criticism from several political leaders, who argued that such proposals were discriminatory and contrary to constitutional principles. They stressed that the governing Act mandates merit-based admissions without religious considerations and warned against introducing religion into medical education, noting the implications such logic could have for patient care.
Amid the escalating debate, the NMC’s surprise inspection last week added a new dimension to the controversy. While some local groups welcomed the inspection, they continued their protests. The regulatory findings ultimately formed the basis for the Commission’s decision to revoke the LoP, shifting the focus from political controversy to academic and infrastructural compliance.
The issue has also sparked broader discussions on secularism, meritocracy, and the role of religious institutions in professional education. Political observers note that the developments may influence regional political dynamics. Meanwhile, the immediate priority remains the academic future of the 50 admitted students, whose relocation to recognised medical colleges is now underway.
The NMC had earlier rejected a proposal by the Shrine Board to shift all seats to the All-India Quota, citing policy constraints. With the LoP now withdrawn, the institute’s future will depend on its ability to address the deficiencies identified by the Commission and comply with regulatory standards before seeking fresh approval.
During the agitation, the Vishva Hindu Parishad emerged as one of the prominent voices, describing the controversy as “selective secularism” and “reverse discrimination.” The organisation called for the cancellation of admissions and a broader policy overhaul, including minority status for the institute and scrutiny of faculty appointments.
These positions were strongly criticised across the political spectrum. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated that the governing law mandates merit-based admissions and questioned whether religion-based logic should extend to patient care at Shrine Board–run hospitals. PDP leader Iltija Mufti termed the protests “anti-Muslim apartheid,” while People’s Conference chairman Sajad Gani Lone accused the BJP of communalising medical education and undermining its integrity.