Plan construction works stalled despite adequate fund
IT Exclusive
With just 5 days to end the financial year the RIMS authority headed by the in charge director may have to surrender crores of rupees and the loss is for the entire region. Dental and Nursing students shall also suffer in main ways. But the high officials of the health ministry are not intervening as yet.
More than Rs 280 cr was sanctioned to RIMS during 2014-15. Out of it about 144 cr would have been spent on payment of staff salary. The balance is mainly for major construction works of Dental, Nursing college buildings, hostels, quarters, guest house, expansion of pre and para clinical depts, a canteen and one multi utility block near the main gate.
The RIMS authority did nothing to start the already planned construction works although fund for non-recurring infrastructure development was released in installments since Sept 2014. Instead there
is fear that the large chunk of fund for these major plan works had been diverted to other quick payment purchases, unnecessary repairing works and non-priority constructions. However the Dental Council of India had issued advisories for infrastructures following the last inspection. If these are not complied permission for upgradation to the next higher class will not be permitted. Similar fate awaits the College of Nursing.
The miracle cannot be performed within the next 5 days. In any case there is no official indication that the RIMS authority is thinking in this line. Instead some employees are said to be doing lucrative contract works. Recently some newspapers had published the scanned letter the Deputy Director (Administration) had written using the letterhead of a special contractor seeking contract works. The matter had come to the notice of PMO and some sections are keeping fingers crossed.
It is seen that the ongoing infrastructure development works have been stalled even after the funds have been released in the last 7 months and major plan works are yet to start. The officials in the union health ministry have failed to check the financial indiscipline in RIMS which is against the interest of the students of the NE region. Indications are that the Prime Minister is likely to talk with the Health Minister on the fund misuse and imminent surrender of the fund for the urgent and unavoidable construction works. The neglected people of this region in general and students in particular are entitled to an explanation from the health ministry.
It may be recalled that of late a triumvirate has been running this institute of the NE region to the exclusion of other officials and faculties. Besides some high health ministry officials have been turning a blind eye to these objectionable goings on and indications are that the PMO may pull them up since it is a very serious issue.
