Arti Singh Rao reviews Koriawas Medical College, protesters vow to continue dharna

The ongoing dharna by residents of Koriawas village demanding the renaming of Maharishi Chyawan Government Medical College after freedom fighter Rao Tularam entered its 74th day on Thursday. On the same day, Health Minister Arti Singh Rao visited the college for an inspection and met protesters.

Addressing mediapersons, Arti said, “Maharishi Chyawan Medical College, located amid the Aravalli hills, is an ultra-modern medical institute. In terms of connectivity, location and environment, it is considered the best medical college in Haryana. The government is making efforts to commence MBBS classes here from this year itself. The hostel, hospital wing and academic block are all fully ready.”

The minister highlighted the expansion of medical education in Haryana, noting a significant rise in MBBS seats: “In 2014, there were only 700 MBBS seats in the state. That number has now increased to 2,185 and is set to rise further.” She said this growth, alongside a steadily increasing health budget, reflects the state government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services.

Arti also spoke about the ‘Ujjwal Drishti Yojana’, under which free spectacles have been distributed statewide. “This scheme has been implemented for the first time in Haryana,” she added.

Earlier, the minister chaired a meeting with officials in the academic block and reviewed infrastructure at the hospital wing and hostels. She also paid floral tributes at the Nasibpur Martyrs' Memorial, accompanied by Narnaul MLA Om Prakash Yadav and local supporters.

Meanwhile, Nonihal Singh, one of the protest leaders, reaffirmed the villagers’ stand. “We have submitted a memorandum to the health minister. The dharna will continue until our demand for renaming the college after Rao Tularam is accepted,” he stated.