Jammu, 02 December 2025: A senior delegation of the Jammu & Kashmir Bharatiya Janata Party (J&K BJP) met Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, J. P. Nadda, in New Delhi to discuss the growing concerns regarding MBBS admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
The delegation included J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma, Union MoS in PMO Dr. Jitendra Singh, LoP Sunil Sharma, Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana, and MLAs Dr. Devinder Manyal, Sham Lal Sharma, and Adv. R.S. Pathania.
The leaders highlighted to the Union Minister the growing dissatisfaction among devotees and civil society over the composition of the first batch of 50 MBBS seats, noting that 42 seats were allotted to non-Hindu candidates. This, they said, has triggered strong reactions among Mata Vaishno Devi devotees and shrine donors.
The delegation informed the Minister that several social and religious organizations have already initiated protests, demanding transparency and corrective measures in the admission process. They warned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, it could escalate into a larger agitation, potentially affecting the region’s peace and harmony.
While reaffirming respect for merit-based and constitutional admission norms, the BJP leaders emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sentiments of millions of devotees connected to the shrine. They urged Minister Nadda to intervene and ensure a solution that balances merit with the emotional connection devotees have with SMVDIME.
The delegation called for a detailed review of the admission process, greater transparency, and mechanisms to reassure devotees of fair representation.
Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda gave the delegation a patient hearing and assured that the matter would be examined seriously. He confirmed that all aspects would be reviewed and appropriate measures taken, while maintaining compliance with national medical education standards.
The J&K BJP leaders expressed confidence that the Union Government will take timely action to ensure a fair and acceptable resolution.
