Complete formalities first: Dhumal

Tribune News Service

Shimla, June 23

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition PK Dhumal today said it would be in the interest of Himachal if the state government rather than issuing statements against the Modi-led regime completes all the formalities which will pave the way for the setting up of AIIMS in Bilaspur.

In a statement issued here today, Dhumal today demanded that the state government must clarify the exact official position about the status of AIIMS. “The ministers from Himachal meet Central ministers in Delhi and get their pictures published but when they come to the state they speak in a totally different tone,” he said.

“Both, the Centre as well as the Himachal Government must do what is required at their end so that the state and its people benefit,” he said. He said he had been told that the Centre had yet to issue the notification for the setting up of AIIMS but he was given to understand that this is done only once the land requirement and other basic infrastructure is provided by the concerned state.

He said it is very unfortunate that the Himachal Government instead of trying to remove the shortcoming and hindrances is indulging in blame game on the issue of AIIMS. “I urge the Himachal Government to take maximum benefit as Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda is from HP and in case they provide land for Chamba and Hamirpur medical colleges, they will be set up at the earliest,” he said.

Dhumla further added that he had been told by Nadda that he had already got Rs 200 crores approved for the two medical colleges. “Since Health Minister Kaul Singh Thakur also holds charge of Revenue, he should expedite the issue of land for the two medical colleges, so that they can be started at the earliest,” he said.