Rewari AIIMS project: Preparations in full swing for PM’s visit

Tribune News Service

Ravinder Saini

Rewari, February 12

Preparations are in full swing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the district to lay the foundation stone of the prestigious AIIMS project at Majra village here on February 16.

The land at the proposed site for the project is being levelled on a war footing to prepare adequate space for holding the foundation stone laying ceremony and the landing of Prime Minister’s chopper. Since people from nearby districts will also participate in the event, the main road is being constructed and parking lots being set up at all three points leading to the venue.

State Cooperation Minister Banwari Lal and Gurugram Division Commissioner RC Bidhan, along with district officials, have inspected the site while Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar may also visit the venue to take stock of the preparations. Local residents are enthused as the foundation stone of the project is being laid after five years of its announcement made by the Prime Minister in February 2019 before the Lok Sabha elections.

Though the state government has bought around 200 acres from residents of Majra and Bhalki villages at a cost of Rs 40 lakh per acre and a tender for design, engineering, procurement and construction, including operation and maintenance of the project, has also been issued. But, the delay in laying the foundation of the project was upsetting the people.

Following which, the AIIMS Sangharsh Samiti had launched an indefinite dharna in Kund town here on October 2 last year in support of their demand for laying the foundation stone for the project. The dharna entered 133th day on Monday.

“Finally, our struggle has borne fruit as the Prime Minister is coming to lay the foundation stone of AIIMS on February 16. We have called a meeting on Wednesday to formally end our indefinite dharna. Our two leaders had taken the pledge not to shave off their beard until the demand was met. On Wednesday, they will get their beards shaved off,” said Advocate Rajendra Singh, spokesperson for the samiti.

He said since their two other demands — introduction of MBBS course and starting OPD in the name of the AIIMS in the district — were still pending, a ‘Jan Panchayat’ had been called on February 19 to chalk out further strategy to get these fulfilled as well.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also address a public meeting on February 16.

“The AIIMS project will have a 750-bed hospital at a cost of Rs 1,300 crore. It will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to about 13,000 people. A nursing college, private wards, trauma/ AYUSH centre, night shelter, guest house, 1,000-seat auditorium, hostel and residential facilities will also be provided. Besides strengthening health facilities with the construction of AIIMS, medical education, nursing and health-related research will also get a boost,” he added.

750-bed hospital to come up

The AIIMS project will have a 750-bed hospital at a cost of Rs 1,300 crore. It will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to 13,000 people. Under the project, a nursing college, private wards, trauma/AYUSH centre, night shelter, guest house, 1,000-seat auditorium, hostel and residential facilities will also be provided. — Rao Inderjit Singh, union minister

Our struggle paid off

Finally, our struggle has borne fruit as the Prime Minister is coming to lay the foundation stone of AIIMS on February 16. We have called a meeting on Wednesday to formally end our indefinite dharna. Our two leaders had taken the pledge not to shave off their beard until the demand was met. On Wednesday, they will get their beards shaved off. — Rajendra Singh, spokesperson for AIIMS Sangharsh Samiti

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