Mata Vaishno Devi Medical Institute in Spotlight as Hindutva Groups Raise Objections Over Muslim Staff and Students.

Hindutva Groups Protest  Admissions of Maximum Muslim Students and Hiring Muslim Doctors at Vaishno Devi Medical Institute.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Nov 16, 2025:: Tensions have escalated in Jammu as several Hindutva organizations, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Bajrang Dal, staged protests against the admission of maximum Muslim students to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME) includining hiring Muslim doctors in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. The controversy arose after 42 out of 50 students admitted to the institute’s 2025-26 first batch of MBBS students belonged to the Muslim community.

The Controversy

The Hindutva groups claim that the admissions are “religiously imbalanced” and demand reservation or preference for Hindu students. They argue that since the institute is funded by Hindu devotees, it should prioritize hiring Hindu medical staff and admitting Hindu students. VHP general secretary Bajrang Bagra wrote to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, urging him to review the hiring and admission policies to ensure that Hindu teachers and staff are appointed.

Double Standard Allegation

Critics point out a perceived double standard, noting that while Muslim-run institutions often prioritize Muslim students and staff, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board-funded SMVDIME is criticized for following merit-based admissions, which has resulted in a majority of Muslim students being admitted. “It’s ironic that when Muslim bodies run medical colleges and facilities, they often exclusively hire Muslim doctors and admit Muslim students. But when a Hindu shrine board-funded institution like SMVDIME follows merit-based admissions, it doesn’t give any advantage to Hindu students in medical college, and the authority is hiring Muslim doctors, not giving a chance to Hindu doctors in hospitals run by a Hindu board,” said a protester. This sentiment is echoed by many who feel that Hindu students and staff should get preference in institutions funded by Hindu devotees.

Demands and Reactions

The protesters demand that the Shrine Board review its policies to preserve the institution’s religious character and protect the expectations of devotees. Some groups have even suggested that only Hindus should be admitted to the institute, citing that those who do not visit the temple should not be allowed to work there. BJP leaders have also joined the protests, with some demanding 50% Hindu reservation and local preferences.

Institute’s Response

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has yet to issue an official statement addressing the protests or concerns raised by the Hindutva groups. Admissions and staff recruitment at SMVDIME and the Shrine Board hospital are governed strictly by NEET merit and J&K domicile rules, leaving no provision for religious consideration.

Broader Implications

The controversy highlights the growing tension between merit-based admissions and demands for religious representation in educational institutions. Critics argue that allowing religious preferences in admissions and hiring would undermine the principles of equality and meritocracy. The issue has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many questioning the role of religion in public institutions, particularly how it restricts Hindus while providing wide opportunities to Muslims.
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