Srinagar, Nov 24 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding MBBS seats at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, stating that the admission process followed by the Shrine Board’s medical college carries no provision for any religion-based reservation.
He said the established procedure at the institution specifies “quantitative merit-based” selection of candidates and relies on transparent criteria rather than any preferential category linked to faith. According to him, the rules guiding the institute clearly outline a uniform admission framework that treats all applicants equally.
The Chief Minister also noted that public discussions about the issue have intensified in recent days, prompting the administration to reiterate the official position. He added that the Shrine Board-run medical college operates under guidelines designed to ensure fairness in professional education and that these guidelines remain publicly accessible.
His remarks come at a time when political parties and civil society groups have expressed competing opinions about the admission structure at the institution. The clarification is intended to settle doubts over whether any community-based preference exists in the allocation of seats.
In response to a question, Omar Abdullah categorically ruled out any proposal to increase electricity tariffs in Jammu and Kashmir, saying reports suggesting a possible hike were entirely unfounded.
Speaking to reporters in Anantnag, the Chief Minister said no such proposal had ever been placed before him. “No proposal about the electricity hike has been presented before me and I don’t know who spread such reports,” he said.
Omar Abdullah, who also holds the power portfolio, asserted that his administration had already made its position clear during the Budget presentation. “I am the Power Minister as well and I tell you with authority there is no such proposal. We have already declared in the Budget that we are not going to hike electricity charges,” he said.
He added that the government was focused on stabilising power supply and ensuring relief to households rather than burdening them with additional charges. [KNT]
