Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 7: Leader of Opposition in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma, on Wednesday welcomed the decision of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to withdraw the Letter of Permission (LoP) granted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College of Excellence.
He said the action was taken after the NMC found “serious irregularities” during inspection, calling it a step that safeguards both students’ futures and public faith associated with the shrine.
Sharma said that the move not only addressed long-standing irregularities but also safeguarded the academic interests of MBBS students, who have now been accommodated in other medical colleges.
“I welcome the historic decision of the National Medical Commission to withdraw the Letter of Permission granted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College of Excellence after serious irregularities were found during inspection.”
“Ensuring that affected MBBS students are accommodated in other colleges reflects a responsible and student-centric approach,” LoP Sharma said.
He expressed “sincere gratitude” to Union Health Minister J P Nadda, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and the National Medical Commission for upholding public faith and respecting the deep religious sentiments associated with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
“This decision reaffirms the importance of preserving faith, transparency and accountability while safeguarding the future of students,” he added.
Referring to the NMC’s recent inspection through its National Assessment and Rating Board, he said the review uncovered “many irregularities,” prompting the Commission to act decisively.
“Keeping these irregularities in mind, the letter of permission was withdrawn yesterday and all the students who were studying MBBS were admitted to different colleges,” Sharma said. “The Health Ministry, NMC and the Lieutenant Governor deserve full credit for ensuring both fairness and respect for people’s emotions.”
Sharma said the decision has restored the faith of millions of devotees across the country who hold deep reverence for the Vaishno Devi Shrine.
“When more than one community was admitted, the hearts of Sanatanis and Hindus across the country were touched. All the worship and offerings there are meant for the propagation of religion,” he said, adding that the Shrine Board’s involvement in running a medical college had “hurt religious sentiments.”
He said the NMC and the Health Ministry had increased the honour of faith and devotion through their action.
The LoP also accused former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of “trying to give the issue a communal colour.”
“The way Omar Abdullah Sahib tried to divert the issue and turn it into a Hindu-Muslim debate, he has been given a strong answer,” Sharma said. “Students’ careers have been safeguarded and people’s faith has been respected.”
He added that while the BJP had no issue with any individual or student, its concern was over preserving the sanctity of the shrine and ensuring offerings made for ‘Vedic and religious purposes’ were not diverted.
“We had demanded that a Gurukul and a Veda Research Centre be opened there. There are many colleges in the country to make doctors—but this shrine should remain a place of devotion and spiritual pursuit,” he said.
“This decision once again proves that the faith and devotion connected to Mata Vaishno Devi will remain intact,” Sharma said, stressing that the BJP gives “special importance” to the sentiments of devotees.
“The emotions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been honoured. I once again thank Health Minister J.P. Nadda and the National Medical Commission for this decision,” he said. (KNO)
