- IDPD protests closure of Katra Medical College by National Medical Commission
- Says decision is arbitrary, unconstitutional and politically driven
- Claims merit-based admissions were targeted due to religious identity
- Appeals to President Droupadi Murmu to intervene
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Jan: Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) has strongly criticised the National Medical Commission (NMC) for its decision to shut down the Katra Medical College, terming the move arbitrary, unjust and contrary to constitutional values.
In a statement issued on Friday, the doctors’ body said the medical college was granted approval last year to admit 50 students and that all admissions were carried out strictly on merit and in accordance with existing norms. It said 42 of the 50 admitted students belonged to the Muslim community and alleged that this became the basis for a politically motivated agitation demanding religious restrictions in admissions.
IDPD asserted that any demand to limit admissions on religious grounds is unconstitutional, discriminatory and legally untenable, pointing out that the institution does not enjoy minority status and is bound to follow merit-based, non-discriminatory admission norms.
The organisation expressed concern that the National Medical Commission, a statutory regulatory authority, appeared to have acted under sectarian and political pressure, warning that such actions could undermine institutional autonomy, social harmony and the rule of law in the country.
“By closing the medical college, students who were admitted lawfully and on merit have been unfairly penalised, and a message has been sent that merit can be overridden by communal considerations,” the statement said.
IDPD demanded immediate revocation of the closure order and called for the college to be allowed to function without discrimination or political interference. It also made an appeal to President Droupadi Murmu to intervene, uphold constitutional principles and ensure that the rights of students are protected.
The statement was signed by Dr S. S. Sudan (Patron), Dr Arun Mitra (President), Dr Shakeel Ur Rahman (General Secretary), Dr G. M. Malik (Senior Vice President) and Dr Mohammed Latif (President, IDPD Jammu & Kashmir).
