‘Politics should not be played on education’
Sakina Itoo slams parties over derecognition of SMVD medical college seats
KINS Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 08 (KINS): Reacting strongly to the derecognition of medical seats at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Jammu, Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday accused certain political parties of indulging in “negative politics” and dragging the education sector to its “lowest ebb.”
Speaking to reporters, Sakina Itoo said that while politics is an inevitable part of democracy, it should never be played at the cost of education. “Political parties do politics, but not on education. Unfortunately, some people are doing politics even on education and have reached the lowest ebb,” she said, according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
The minister further alleged that such politics is often driven by divisive agendas. “They do politics on the basis of religion, which is extremely unfortunate. Education should remain above politics and communal considerations,” she added.
Reiterating the National Conference’s stand, Sakina Itoo said the party has always worked to keep Jammu and Kashmir united and has never discriminated on the basis of religion or region.
“National Conference has consistently upheld unity and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. We have never made any distinction on religious or regional lines,” she said.
The cabinet minister also raised serious questions over the role of the National Medical Commission (NMC) in the derecognition of the medical seats. “The NMC had earlier approved these medical seats after conducting inspections. Now, suddenly derecognising them is very unfortunate and raises serious concerns,” she said, seeking clarity from the regulatory body.
Addressing the concerns of students and their families, Sakina Itoo assured that the government is taking immediate steps to safeguard the academic future of those already admitted to the college. “Students who had earlier secured admission in this medical college will be enrolled in other medical colleges,” she said.
She informed that the Chief Minister has already issued clear directions in this regard. “The Chief Minister has directed us to ensure that these students are accommodated in the nearest medical colleges. Yesterday, I personally directed the Secretary, Health and Medical Education, to come up with a concrete proposal so that these students are enrolled at the earliest,” the minister said.
Sakina Itoo said that the government remains committed to protecting students’ interests and ensuring that no one suffers due to administrative or regulatory lapses.
Earlier some people supported by political parties including BJP protested against admission of Muslim students in this college(KINS)
