Works set to be completed by December next year
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, May 17: The Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department has announced the release of over Rs 43 crores in unspent funds for land compensation and realignment of the approach road for the construction of the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Awantipora.
The funds, allocated for the financial year 2023-24, were approved by the H&ME Department and are intended for the establishment of AIIMS in Awantipora, Kashmir.
According to an official order issued by the H&ME Department, a total amount of Rs. 43. 63 will be transferred to the Director of Health Services, Kashmir, for onward placement at the disposal of the District Development Commissioner, Pulwama.
This allocation will facilitate the acquisition of 272 Kanal (34 Acres) and 11 Kanals and 07 Marlas of land for the establishment of AIIMS at Awantipora, as well as the realignment of the approach road.
The order emphasizes that the funds should only be utilized after completing all necessary formalities and ensuring that the acquisition is carried out within the approved cost, with no cost escalation.
It strictly prohibits the re-appropriation or diversion of funds at any level and requires that the utilization certificate of the released amount be furnished to the H&ME Department promptly.
The directives state that the Director of Finance, Health & Medical Education Department, will verify the availability of funds on the BEAMS portal and subsequently release them to the concerned parties, under the conditions outlined in the BEAMS order.
It is to be noted here that the construction of AIIMS Awantipora, initially delayed due to concerns, is now progressing at a satisfactory pace.
Officials confirm that the project is on track to be completed by December 31 of next year. This will mark a significant milestone, enabling the commencement of academic activities at AIIMS, Awantipora.
“The project is advancing well, and we are confident that it will be completed by next year. It is closely monitored by the Central Government, with various processes simultaneously underway. Furthermore, the first MBBS batch is also scheduled to commence next year,” officials stated.
The AIIMS Awantipora project entails the construction of approximately 57 buildings, including a hospital, hostels, residential quarters, a football ground, tennis courts, and gardens with medicinal plants, among other facilities.
Approved by the Government in 2019, the estimated cost of the project is Rs 1828 crores. Upon completion, AIIMS Awantipora will significantly enhance the healthcare capacity in Kashmir, offering 1000 beds, including 300 super-speciality beds. Additionally, the project includes the establishment of a Medical College with a capacity of 100 students and a Nursing College capable of accommodating 60 students.
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