JAMMU: J&K BJP President and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Sat Sharma CA, along with J&K BJP General Secretaries Sanjita Dogra, Baldev Singh Billawaria, Mohammad Anwar Khan, and Gopal Mahajan, addressed a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Addressing media persons, Sat Sharma CA stated that Jammu has been witnessing continuous protests for the past several days over the admissions and functioning of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence. He noted that majority of social organizations from Jammu had raised the issue strongly. He emphasized that the institution is marked by the faith of one religion and is sustained by donations contributed by people from the Hindu religion. Serious concerns were raised regarding the induction of students from other faiths, which intensified public unrest.

Sat Sharma welcomed and hailed the decisive action taken by the National Medical Commission (NMC), under which a committee of assessors from the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) visited the Medical College on 2 January 2026. He informed that the NMC had received numerous complaints alleging that the Medical College (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence) lacked essential facilities required for proper medical education and training.

He revealed that the assessors’ committee found grave shortcomings in the institution, including severe deficiencies in infrastructure and clinical exposure. According to the assessment report, there was a 39% deficiency in teaching faculty, 65% shortage of demonstrators, tutors, and senior residents, OPD attendance of only 182 patients against the mandated 400, bed occupancy at 45% instead of the required 80%, average ICU occupancy of 50%, and delivery cases well below prescribed norms, among several other critical deficiencies. He said that virtually all basic requirements essential for the smooth and proper functioning of a medical college were found lacking.

Sat Sharma expressed gratitude to the Union leadership, including BJP National President and Union Minister JP Nadda, for their guidance and support in safeguarding public interest and students’ futures. He further reassured that students who had already been selected for admission to the Medical College (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence) would be adjusted in other well-functioning medical colleges, over and above their regular intake capacity, to ensure that their academic and professional careers are fully protected.

He thanked the National Medical Commission for adhering strictly to its norms and for taking timely and courageous decisions in the larger interest of public health and patient safety. He said that the NMC’s action has given immense satisfaction to devotees who have deep faith in the Lotus Feet of Mata Vaishno Devi, adding that Devi Mata has herself protected both the faith of devotees and the careers of aspiring doctors, who will now receive proper training in other medical institutions.

Clarifying the BJP’s stand, Sat Sharma said that certain political parties attempted to politicize the issue and give it a communal color, but the BJP never politicized the matter nor allowed it to become a communal issue. He emphasized that the party remained committed only to facts, norms, and public welfare.

Putting all speculation to rest, he stated that the NMC has cancelled the recognition of the Medical College (Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence) due to its failure to fulfill minimum mandatory criteria. While appreciating the proactive and responsible role played by the Lieutenant Governor, Sat Sharma requested him to further examine any other irregularities, flaws, or violations related to rules, laws, and bye-laws in this institution, as well as in other similar institutions.

Sat Sharma remarked that although the issue gained prominence because the institution is run by the Shrine Board, many medical institutions across the country are routinely de-recognized by the NMC as part of its regular regulatory process. He reiterated that the NMC acted purely in a professional and objective manner after receiving complaints and identifying serious irregularities, ensuring that standards in medical education and patient care are not compromised.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here