Surinder Sharma
Jammu: Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has commented on the ongoing political, social, and religious opposition over seat allocation at Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College, stating that the debate surrounding university admissions is shifting away from constitutional principles. He warned that taking decisions based on religion could adversely affect other areas of public services.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah referred to the Assembly-approved Act under which the Mata Vaishno Devi University was established, emphasizing that it does not bar admission to students of any religious group. He said, “When the Assembly passed the Bill to establish Mata Vaishno Devi University, where was it written that boys and girls of a particular religion would be excluded?”
The Chief Minister reiterated that the Act clearly allows admissions solely on the basis of merit. He added, “At that time, it was clearly stated that admissions would be merit-based, not religion-based. Now, when decisions are indeed being taken on merit, some people are unhappy.”
Abdullah further noted that any attempt to bypass merit would require approval from the Supreme Court. “As far as I know, admissions cannot be granted without merit,” he said, adding that incorporating religion into the admission process would violate constitutional provisions.
He cautioned that once religion becomes a factor in institutional decision-making, it could influence other spheres of governance. “If decisions are taken on religious grounds, should social welfare schemes also follow the same principle? Should police officers perform their duties based on religion?” he asked.
Abdullah suggested that opposition leader Sunil Sharma review the Assembly records and the Act to verify that no provision allows seat distribution based on religion.
On allegations of a potential hike in electricity tariffs, Abdullah clarified that no such proposal has been submitted to his office. “I am the Power Minister. So far, no such file has come before me,” he said.
He also stated that the ongoing e-auction of mining blocks is being supported by the Ministry of Mines to ensure transparent allocation and to facilitate the development of the cement industry in the region.
