Subharti Medical College, Meerut (Baudh Minority status)
Subharti Medical College in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, is a Buddhist minority institution recognized by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). This recognition was granted through orders issued in 2018.
However, the State Government was initially hesitant to acknowledge this status for admissions to medical courses. As a result, Subharti Medical College filed a Special Leave Petition (no. 17003 of 2022) at the Supreme Court of India, seeking a directive for the State Government to recognize its minority status. The Supreme Court, in an interim order dated October 20, 2022, and later reaffirmed on April 23, 2024, directed the State Government and the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) to allot Buddhist students to 50% of the seats.
The court emphasized that since the NCMEI, the competent authority, had granted minority status, it couldn't be argued that the college held minority status for some departments but not for others, specifically the Medical Education Department.
Impact on admissions
It is important to note that the recognition of Subharti Medical College as a Buddhist minority institution and the subsequent reservation of seats for students from the Buddhist community has been a point of contention and legal proceedings, as highlighted in the search results. Recent reports also indicate potential irregularities in admissions under the minority quota, leading to cancellations and investigations.