Don’t count faith to kill a college, lot at stake

Context & The Gist

The National Medical Commission (NMC) recently ordered the closure of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, just four months after granting it approval to run an MBBS course. This decision followed an inspection and has sparked controversy due to allegations of religious bias, as protests erupted after a significant portion of the first batch of students were Muslim. The article argues that the NMC’s action disregards due process, violates constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination, and undermines the promise of a “Naya Kashmir” – a more integrated and inclusive J&K.

Key Arguments & Nuances

• Abrupt Action & Lack of Due Process: The NMC’s decision was criticized for being hasty, lacking a show-cause notice or appeal mechanism, and circumventing established procedures.
• Underlying Religious Bias: The article suggests the real reason for the closure isn't the cited deficiencies (tutors, library resources), but the religious composition of the student body, influenced by pressure from pro-RSS and pro-BJP organizations.
• Constitutional Violation: The NMC’s actions are presented as a violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality) and the constitutional protection against discrimination.
• Impact on “Naya Kashmir” Narrative: The decision is seen as detrimental to the government’s stated goal of integrating J&K more closely with the rest of India and fostering trust among its people.
• Harm to Students & Institution: The closure directly impacts the students and faculty of SMVDIME, disrupting their education and careers.

UPSC Syllabus Relevance

• Polity: Constitutional provisions related to fundamental rights (Article 14, 19, 21), minority rights, and the role of regulatory bodies.
• Governance: Issues related to transparency, accountability, and due process in administrative decision-making.
• Social Issues: Religious discrimination, secularism, and social harmony.

Prelims Data Bank

• Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.
• Article 370: Revoked in August 2019, removing special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir.
• National Medical Commission (NMC): Statutory regulatory body for medical education and practice in India, established in 2020.
• Right to Education: While not explicitly mentioned, the disruption of medical education relates to the broader right to education as a fundamental right under Article 21A.

Mains Critical Analysis

The NMC’s decision presents a complex interplay of governance, constitutional principles, and social dynamics. A PESTLE analysis can help dissect the issue:

• Political: The decision is heavily influenced by political pressure from right-wing organizations and potentially reflects a broader agenda regarding the demographic composition of institutions in J&K.
• Economic: The closure impacts the investment in the medical college and potentially hinders the development of healthcare infrastructure in the region.
• Social: The incident exacerbates communal tensions and erodes trust between different communities in J&K, undermining the “Naya Kashmir” vision.
• Technological: Not directly relevant in this case.
• Legal: The NMC’s actions are legally questionable due to the lack of due process and potential violation of constitutional rights.
• Environmental: Not directly relevant in this case.

The core issue is the prioritization of religious considerations over constitutional principles and academic merit. The implications extend beyond the immediate impact on students and faculty, potentially fueling distrust and instability in a sensitive region. A critical gap lies in the NMC’s failure to uphold its mandate of ensuring quality medical education without succumbing to external pressures.

Value Addition

• Indira Sawhney v. Union of India (1992): This landmark SC judgment upheld the constitutional validity of reservations but emphasized the principle of equality and the need to avoid excessive reservation that would violate Article 14. This case provides a legal precedent for challenging discriminatory practices.
• Minority Educational Institutions: Article 30 of the Constitution protects the right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. While this case doesn't directly involve a minority institution, it highlights the constitutional framework for protecting educational diversity.
• Right to Education Act, 2009: Though focused on school education, the Act emphasizes equitable access to education, which is relevant to the disruption of medical education faced by the students.

Context & Linkages

This earlier editorial, published in November 2025, foreshadowed the current controversy by raising concerns about attempts to scrutinize the religious composition of students at the SMVDIME. It warned against the injustice of pulling up the drawbridges and highlighted the illegality of such actions. The current situation represents an escalation of the concerns expressed in the previous article, demonstrating a pattern of interference based on religious considerations.

The Way Forward

• Judicial Review: The SMVDIME should pursue legal recourse to challenge the NMC’s decision and seek a stay on the closure.
• Strengthen Due Process: The NMC needs to establish transparent and accountable procedures for inspections and decision-making, ensuring adherence to principles of natural justice.
• Uphold Constitutional Values: The NMC must prioritize constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination in all its actions.
• Promote Inclusive Education: The government should actively promote inclusive education and foster a sense of trust and harmony in J&K.
• Independent Inquiry: An independent inquiry should be conducted to investigate the allegations of bias and undue influence in the NMC’s decision-making process.