Closing the Katra Medical College under sectarian pressure is unfortunate — IDPD

Ludhiana, January 9, 2026: The Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD) expresses its strongest protest and deep anguish over the decision of the National Medical Commission (NMC) to shut down the Medical College at Katra. This decision is arbitrary, unjust, and deeply troubling, and it strikes at the very foundations of merit, constitutional values, and institutional autonomy.
 
The medical college at Katra was granted permission last year to admit 50 students, and admissions were carried out strictly on the basis of merit, following all existing rules and procedures. Out of these 50 students, 42 students admitted on merit belonged to the Muslim community. This fact, and this fact alone, appears to have triggered a politically motivated agitation by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, who have openly argued that since the college is run by the Mata Vaishno Devi Trust, admissions should be restricted to students from the Hindu community.
 
IDPD categorically states that this argument is unconstitutional, discriminatory, and legally untenable. The Katra Medical College does not enjoy minority status, and therefore any agitation or demand based on religious exclusion is illegal and violative of the Constitution of India. Admissions based on merit, irrespective of religion, caste, or creed, are the cornerstone of a democratic and secular education system.

The National Medical Commission is a constitutional, autonomous regulatory body, expected to function independently, guided by law, ethics, and public interest. Its apparent succumbing to sectarian and political pressure in this matter is extremely unfortunate and raises serious questions about the erosion of institutional autonomy. Such capitulation sets a dangerous precedent and may have grave long-term repercussions for medical education, social harmony, and the rule of law across the country.
 
By closing the medical college, the NMC has not only punished students who were admitted fairly and lawfully, but has also sent a chilling message that merit can be overridden by communal considerations. This is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy.

The undersigned office bearers of IDPD Dr. S. S. Sudan, Patron, IDPD; Dr. Arun Mitra, President, IDPD; Dr. Shakeel Ur Rahman, General Secretary, IDPD; Dr. G. M. Malik, Senior Vice President, IDPD & Former President, J&K IDPD; and Dr. Mohammed Latif, President, IDPD Jammu & Kashmir strongly demand that the decision to close the Katra Medical College be immediately revoked and that the college be allowed to function without discrimination or political interference.
 
IDPD also makes an earnest and urgent appeal to Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, to intervene without delay, uphold constitutional morality, protect the rights of students, and ensure that the medical college at Katra is reopened and allowed to operate in accordance with law. It said education cannot be communalised.