Would have prevented present controversy
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Nov 24: Proposals by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) for allotment of 100 percent MBBS seats to it under All India Quota (AIQ) through the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), were rejected by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
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The SMVDIME is at the centre of controversy following protests by various Hindu bodies including the Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) over selection of 43 MBBS students of a particular religion out of a total of 50 seats. The organizations are of the view that the Institute is being run purely on donations by the people of another religion.
Sources in the NMC confirmed that the SMVDIME had approached them and requested that 100 percent MBBS seats (50 in total) should be placed under the AIQ through the MCC enabling participation of eligible candidates from across the country. However, the MCC turned down the request.
“The SMVDIME had argued that its Medical College intends to create all-India character of the sacred yatra and since it is fully funded by the devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine, it should attract students from across the country,” the sources said.
First communication to the NMC was sent in May 2025 and then, as a follow-up, several other letters were also forwarded. The communications highlighted that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), which is funding its Medical College, doesn’t receive single penny from the UT Government and the finances are channelized through donations received from devotees of the cave shrine visiting from different parts of the country to pay obeisance to the widely-revered Goddess.
“However, the NMC rejected repeated pleas of SMVDIME and directed it to approach authorities designated by the UT Government for counseling,” the sources said, adding that inclusion of the SMVDIME in the list of institutions for which the MCC conducts counseling for 100 percent MBBS seats could have prevented the recent controversy.
It was on September 8 this year that the SMVDIME, situated at Kakryal, Katra in Reasi district, which is known as base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine, was sanctioned 50 MBBS seats paving the way for admissions to first batch in the 2025-26 academic session. The Institute had started functioning in November last year from administrative block of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.
The SMVDIME Medical College is affiliated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. Its associated teaching hospital will be Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspecialty Hospital at Kakryal, where students will undergo practical training in around 26 specialties. The Medical College will be developed with full infrastructure and facilities in the coming months.
The Shrine Board, in its 71st meeting held on August 19, 2023, had granted in-principle approval for establishment of a 50-seat Medical College at Kakryal, with a long term plan for up gradation to a 100-seat Medical College subsequently.
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