Jammu, Jan 7: The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) decision to withdraw permission granted to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) for non-compliance with minimum standards has triggered sharp political reactions in Jammu, with the BJP and the Sangharsh Samiti welcoming the move, while the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) termed it a major setback for the region.
The NMC’s Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) on Tuesday withdrew the letter of permission issued to the medical college in Reasi district. The order said students admitted during the 2025–26 academic session would be accommodated as supernumerary seats in other medical institutions in Jammu and Kashmir by the UT administration.
The decision was welcomed by the BJP and the Sangharsh Samiti, a conglomerate of right-wing organisations that has been agitating since November, demanding cancellation of admissions to the college. The Samiti celebrated the NMC order in Jammu by beating drums and distributing sweets.
J&K BJP president Sat Sharma said the withdrawal of permission was based on regulatory non-compliance and praised the Centre and the Lieutenant Governor for ensuring that the future of the admitted students was protected. He also credited the Sangharsh Samiti’s agitation for drawing attention to the issue.
The Sangharsh Samiti announced the withdrawal of its 45-day-long protest, while stating it would continue to monitor the functioning of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
In contrast, the National Conference and the PDP criticised the decision, calling it a serious blow to Jammu. NC media in-charge Vivek Sharma said the closure of the medical college would result in the loss of jobs and economic opportunities for the region, terming the agitation that preceded it as divisive and politically motivated.
PDP spokesperson Aditya Gupta alleged collusion between the BJP and the NC, claiming the shutdown of the medical college reflected a betrayal of the people of Jammu.
