The Director SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar. Subject: Save SKIMS Medical College. Sir, A news report in Srinagar-based Rising Kashmir on February 19 carried a news regarding the slashing of the medical seats in SKIMS Medical College. The news report is as follows: [Medical Council of India (MCI) has threatened a reduction of MBBS quota in SKIMS Medical College Bemina supervised and controlled by Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS) Soura due to college’s failure to bring about changes and facilities recommended by the MCI. The MBBS quota of SKIMS Medical College was enhanced three years back from 50 to 100 seats. The documents in possession of CNS reveal that MCI has recommended to Ministry of Health and Family welfare to reduce the quota citing mismanagement and failure of SKIMS administration to rectify even minor deficiencies at the college. A MCI letter No. MC37(1)(R1-28) (UG)/2015-Med./153521 dated Dec,3,2015 to Secretary Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India reveals that much of what was recommended by the council has remained unaddressed. Insiders said most queries raised by MCI could have been addressed within available resources, had SKIMS administration taken things seriously. “The lack of interest on part of SKIMS and non-availability of full time Principal at JVC since 2012 forced MCI to go for such recommendations.” They said such a serious lapse and callous approach on part of administration speaks volumes of mismanagement which has forced many faculty members to leave JVC Bemina with the result a little faculty deficiency of 8.6% observed by MCI on 25 March, 2015 has increased to 20.3% in Dec 2015. “The ‘irresponsible and insensitive’ approach of SKIMS Soura administration can be gauged from the fact that MCI has pointed out that Medical College lacks toilet facilities for Common Rooms meant for both male and female students. MCI further points out that declaration forms were not filled properly as per the new format. There are no separate rooms for males and females for injection and dressing.” The MCI team is slated to make another visit 'in a month's time' as per administration of the hospital. "This visit would determine the intake of the college as MCI gives its renewal after taking a final stock of the situation," a SKIMS Medical College administrator said]. The above news report clearly shows the kind of the shambles college is in. The need of the hour is the upgradation of the college infrastructure. The college lacks it all. There is lack of facilities. The associated hospitals is so much crowded that it is difficult for a student to understand the clinics. The cadavers are lacking and what not. Hope the better sense prevails, and the authorities understand the essence of infrastructure and facilities, which are all but absent or otherwise the career of many students is at stake. Thank You. Naiem Ur Rehman Teeli Student On behalf of other students who want the college to be one among the best in J&K. Copy to Govenor Shir NN Vohra, Director SKIMS Soura, Medical Superintendent SKIMS MC&H Bemina.