SMVDIME Admissions Row: Merit criterion, not religion: CM
Jammu, Nov 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday advised the Leader of Opposition (LOP) Sunil Sharma to read the Act passed in the J&K Legislative Assembly for establishing Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University before objecting to recent MBBS admissions at SMVDIME.
He was replying to media queries, after the launch of the maiden e-auction of seven limestone mineral blocks in J&K at the Convention Centre, Jammu, about the political row related to recent MBBS admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), an institution functioning under the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
“I’ve failed to understand why the protests are taking place on this issue. When the J&K Legislative Assembly passed the bill related to the constitution of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU). Where was it written that the boys and girls belonging to a particular religion would be excluded (from the admission process)? That time it was stated that the admission would be purely on the basis of merit and not on a religious basis,” he said.
The CM said that when the admission process was completed on a merit basis, then it was objected to by some persons.
“If you have to go about it (admission process) without merit, then take permission from the Supreme Court. As far as I know, admissions cannot be made ignoring merit. Here, they are trying to make decisions related to admissions on the basis of religion, which is not permitted in our Constitution. If religion becomes the criterion, will the Social Welfare schemes also be then decided on the basis of religion? Should religion be brought in the case of ration distribution? Should the Police personnel discharge their duties after asking about religion?” he said.
CM Omar said that the word “secularism” was an integral part of the Indian Constitution.
“If you don’t want to keep the country secular, omit that (secularism) word from the Constitution. Then you have your way, and we will do what we have to do. The Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, should read the Act passed in the assembly. He should seek records from the Assembly Secretary. That bill talked about admission on a merit basis only. Now what is the fault of those students who secured admission on a merit basis,” he said.
When asked that LG Sinha had assured the action, as per LOP’s statement, the CM asked, “How could an action be taken when the Act said something else. When the land for the varsity was given, and the Bill was passed, it was clearly stated that religion would not be the criterion. Then they should say that Muslims or non-Hindus will not be treated in the hospital being run by the Shrine Board.”
CM Omar rubbished the reports about the power tariff hike.
“No, there is no power tariff hike. I don’t know from where this news has emanated… I’m the Power Minister. No such proposal has come to me so far,” he said
