Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, Jammu, this evening to convey concerns regarding the recent MBBS admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) , an institution functioning under the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Sharma expressed strong reservations over the selection process, stating that the admissions has triggered widespread anger among devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and sections of the larger Hindu community. He conveyed to the Lieutenant Governor that the selection of a large number of non-Hindu students has caused distress among many devotees. Sharma emphasized that, according to public sentiment, the issue involves not only academic considerations but also cultural sensitivities and faith-related expectations associated with institutions linked to Mata Vaishno Devi.
During the meeting, Sharma urged to review the admission criteria, enhance transparency, and appropriately factor in the sentiments of the hindu community. He called for an approach that acknowledges the expectations of the devotees who support the Shrine Board managed institutions.
Accompanied by a delegation of BJP MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Surjeet Singh Salathia, Dr. Devinder Manyal, and R. S. Pathania, the LoP reiterated the BJP’s commitment to safeguarding the cultural and religious sentiments of the people, hinfu devotees in particular. The delegation appealed to the Hon'ble LG to intervene and take necessary measures to address public grievances and restore confidence in the admission process.
Highlighting the significance of the Shrine Board and its institutions, LoP said that these bodies are not merely educational establishments but also represent the region’s cultural and spiritual identity. Any decision perceived as disregarding the sentiments of devotees, he noted, can have broader social and emotional repercussions.
The delegation urged the Lieutenant Governor to take immediate steps to address the concerns raised by devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi.
