Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 6: Senior BJP leader Dr. Parneesh Mahajan has raised serious concerns over alleged discrimination in the maiden MBBS admission list of the newly established Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra.
He questioned the transparency of the selection process carried out by the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE) and expressed shock over the religious imbalance in the admitted batch at an institution fully funded by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) — a statutory Hindu religious body.
Citing official figures, Dr. Mahajan said, “Out of the 50 students selected for the first MBBS batch, 42 belong to the Muslim community, while only eight are from the Hindu community. This disproportionate representation has naturally raised questions among devotees and the general public.”
He further stated that while the BJP believes in equality and merit-based opportunities, the composition of the list has created a sense of alienation among those who hold emotional and spiritual connection with the shrine and its institutions.
“There is no objection to merit, but the process must reflect fairness, balance, and inclusivity. The sentiments of millions of devotees funding this institution cannot be ignored,” he asserted.
Dr. Mahajan called for a transparent review of the admission process and urged the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah-led Government and JK BOPEE to clarify the parameters used for seat allocation.
He emphasized that the Government must ensure justice and transparency in all academic institutions, especially those established in the name of revered religious bodies.
He appealed to the administration to take corrective measures to restore public faith and prevent such controversies in the future.
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