aishno Devi medical college admits 42 Muslims, 7 Hindus. Controversy erupts over faith-funded institution.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra sparked outrage after its first MBBS admission list showed 42 out of 50 students are Muslim, while only 7 are Hindu and 1 Sikh. The institute was built with Rs 500 crore from Hindu devotee donations through the Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Hindu organizations say this demographic imbalance disrespects the millions of devotees whose offerings funded every rupee of construction. The Rashtriya Bajrang Dal warned of large protests unless Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha intervenes immediately.
Senior BJP leader Dr Parneesh Mahajan called for transparent review of the selection process conducted by JK Board of Professional Entrance Examinations. He emphasized that while merit must be respected, institutions built by faith communities deserve sensitivity toward their founding devotees. The Bajrang Dal demanded minority institution status for the college, similar to Jamia Millia Islamia, arguing Hindus are minorities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials clarified admissions followed NEET merit rankings and no religious quota exists under Indian law. However, Hindu groups argue this misses the point. When devotees donate to build institutions in the name of their deity, they expect those institutions to serve their community meaningfully. This controversy has reopened wounds in a region where Hindus faced decades of displacement and marginalization.
Faith built this institution. Faith deserves acknowledgment. When 84 percent seats go elsewhere, devotees feel betrayed. Sensitivity matters as much as merit.
Follow for more updates.
