Jammu, Jan 8: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday assured that students affected by the closure of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College will be accommodated in other institutions through supernumerary seats, ensuring that their education does not suffer.
Addressing reporters, Abdullah emphasized the government’s legal responsibility to adjust the students, who had secured their seats through the NEET examination. “We will adjust them by creating supernumerary seats in colleges close to their homes so that their education does not suffer,” he said, noting that the Health Minister had joined him in discussions on the matter.
Supernumerary seats are additional seats created beyond the intake approved by the relevant authorities. The chief minister described the process of accommodating the affected students as straightforward. “Adjusting the students is not a difficult task. We will do it,” he said.
However, Abdullah stressed that the government must also reflect on the long-term impact of shutting down the medical college. “Today, out of 50 seats, 40 were taken by Muslim students and objections were raised. But if, over time, the number of seats in this college had gradually increased to 400–500, it is possible that 250–300 students in the future would have been from Jammu. Where will those students go now?” he asked.
Taking a dig at political opponents, Abdullah remarked that aspirants across India struggle to secure medical college seats. “We are perhaps the only place where we received a fully built medical college and yet got it shut down due to protests,” he said.
Commenting on inspections conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC), Abdullah questioned the accountability of the university and its officials. “Who conducted the inspections and how was the college cleared? You should question the university and its office-bearers from top to bottom—why, after building a medical college, did it fail to pass inspection?” he said.
Referring to the NMC’s assertion that the college failed to meet required norms, the chief minister stated, “Who heads this university and who is its Chancellor? They should also be questioned. Instead of questioning me alone, ask them as well.” He reiterated that accountability must be fixed if standards are not maintained.
Abdullah also addressed financial aid provided to the institution, clarifying that the government has no intention of reclaiming the funds. “The aid was given to the university. We are not the kind of people who give money and then take it back,” he said.
Responding to questions on unemployment and criticism of his public statements, the chief minister said he had never shied away from addressing any issue. “Tell me which issue I have remained silent on. There is none. If anyone wants further answers, the Assembly session is coming up. Members can raise questions there, and we will respond,” he said.
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