Cabinet minister Sakina Itoo questions NMC over derecognition of SMVD medical college seats
STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, JANUARY 08 (STC): Cabinet Minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday 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.
She accused certain political parties of indulging in “negative politics” and dragging the education sector to its “lowest ebb.” Her statement came in the backdrop of the derecognition of medical seats at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Jammu.
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.
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.
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.
(Straight Talk Communications)
