Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that debates over admissions at Mata Vaishno Devi University are moving away from constitutional principles. He warned that making admission decisions based on religion could set a precedent affecting other public services.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah referred to the assembly-approved act that established Mata Vaishno Devi University, noting that the law does not restrict admissions to any religious group. “When the assembly passed the bill to establish Mata Vaishno Devi University, where was it written that boys and girls of one religion would be excluded?” he said, according to KNS.
He added that the act clearly allows admissions based solely on merit. “At that time, it was stated that admission would be based on merit, not religion. Now, when admission decisions follow merit, some people are unhappy,” Abdullah said.
He said any attempt to bypass merit would require approval from the Supreme Court. “As far as I know, admission cannot be granted without merit,” he said, adding that introducing religion into admissions would violate constitutional provisions.
Abdullah warned that once religion becomes a factor in institutional decisions, it could influence other areas of governance. “If decisions are made based on religion, should social welfare schemes follow the same principle? Should police officers perform their duties based on religion?” he asked.
He said the Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, should review the assembly record and the bill to confirm that no provision allows seat distribution based on religion.
On claims of a possible electricity tariff hike, Abdullah said no such proposal had been presented to his office. “I am the power minister. So far, no such file has come before me,” he said.
He also stated that the ongoing e-auction of mining blocks is being supported by the Ministry of Mines to ensure transparent allotment and promote the development of the cement industry in the region.(KNS)
