AIIMS Sangharsh Samiti threatens to launch stir

vinder Saini

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Tribune News Service

Rewari, January 6

Discontented by the state government’s attitude towards the proposed AIIMS project in Manethi village here, the AIIMS Sangharsh Samiti has served one-month ultimatum to the state government for laying the foundation stone of the project, stating that it would launch a campaign if the government fails to meet the demand by February 5.

The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of the samiti held in Manethi village here on Sunday. The meeting presided over by its chief Sheotaj Singh lasted four hours and accused the government of adopting ‘lethargic’ attitude towards the project. “We cannot wait for long, as the project is essential for the region not only to ensure ultramodern healthcare facility, but also to usher in a new era of development. People are eagerly waiting for its execution, but inordinate delay is being made leading to serious question over the state government’s intention towards the project,” Sheotaj said.

He said residents of Manethi village were ready to provide their personal land for the project as per the government’s wish. Despite this, the process to implement the project was not being expedited. The district administration had sought affidavits from villagers, who intended to sell their land for the project, but the language of the content to be written on the affidavit was not being provided, he said.

“Residents of over 30 villages at the meeting said adequate time has been given to the government for laying the foundation stone of the project, but nothing significant is being done from the government’s side causing anger among villagers. The meeting has unanimously decided to launch agitation, if the foundation stone is not laid before February 5,” said Sheotaj. He said they did everything to get the project executed, but only hollow promises were being made to pacify them. A delegation of the samiti would again call on Union Minister Rao Inderjit on January 6 and Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar during his visit to Rewari on January 12 in this respect, he said. “We are ready to give adequate time to the government for setting up the project, but it should lay its foundation stone first to convince villagers that the project would be executed in Manethi in every situation,” Sheotaj said. Rewari Deputy Commissioner Yashendra Singh said the process was under way to finalise the site for the project. “Maps of some proposed sites have been prepared keeping in view the technical aspects of the project,” the DC said.