Amid the ongoing public concern and agitation over the allotment of seats at the Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), a high-level delegation of the Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti on Friday met the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda, at Parliament House here.
The delegation apprised the Union Minister in detail about the widespread resentment prevailing across Jammu over the seat-allotment issue and highlighted its serious socio-legal and regional implications. The members conveyed that the controversy has deeply hurt public sentiment, particularly as the institution has been established under the revered name of Shree Mata Vaishno Devi, from which the people of Jammu have high expectations.
The concerns were presented firmly yet constructively, emphasising the need for fairness, transparency, and sensitivity in addressing the issue.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda gave a patient and attentive hearing to the delegation and acknowledged the seriousness of the matter. He assured the members that both the Union Government and the BJP leadership are fully sensitive to the concerns raised.
The Minister categorically stated that the issue would be examined with due seriousness and that a resolution would be arrived at very shortly, keeping in view the legitimate aspirations and sentiments of the people of Jammu.
The delegation comprised Col. (Retd) Sukhvir Mankotia, Convener, Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Sangarsh Samiti; Purshotam Dhadhichi, President, Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Jammu & Kashmir; Abhishek Gupta, State Secretary, Vishwa Hindu Parishad; R.K. Chibbar, Member, Advisory Committee, POJK Sewa Samiti; and Deepak Sharma.
Expressing satisfaction over the constructive response of the Union Health Minister, the Sangarsh Samiti reiterated its resolve to pursue the issue in a lawful, democratic and principled manner until a just and acceptable solution is achieved.
Later, the delegation also met Jugal Kishore Sharma, Lok Sabha MP from Jammu, and Sat Sharma, Rajya Sabha MP and BJP State President. Both MPs assured the Sangarsh Samiti that its demands would be raised at appropriate forums for early resolution.
The delegation further met Delhi-based members of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and apprised them of the prevailing situation and public concerns in Jammu.
