J&K: Health Dept releases Rs 43 crore for land compensation at AIIMS Awantipora

Srinagar: In an effort to compensate landowners whose land was acquired for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Awantipora, the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has released over Rs 43 crore in unspent funds.

An order issued by Aman Kumar Dogra, the Deputy Director of the health department on May 11 states, “Sanction is accorded to the release of Rs 43.62 crore as land compensation to Director, Health Services Kashmir for onward placement at the disposal of District Development Commissioner, Pulwama through transfer option via Director Health Services Kashmir for the acquisition of Land measuring 272 Kanal for the establishment of AIIMS at Awantipora, Kashmir and realignment of approach for AIIMS respectively.”

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The terms and conditions for the release of unspent funds have been outlined by the department, emphasizing that the funds should only be utilized after fulfilling all codal procedures/formalities.

The order also states, “The acquisition is completed within the approved cost only and there shall be no cost escalation. Re-appropriation/diversion of funds is not allowed at any level.”

It further adds that the utilization certificate of the released amount must be furnished to the health department promptly. The Director of Finance, Health and Medical Education Department will verify the availability of funds on the BEAMS portal and release the funds accordingly.

The order concludes, “The instructions/conditions as contemplated in the BEAMS order shall be adhered to/fulfilled in letter and spirit.”

The AIIMS, Awantipora was approved by the central government in 2019 at an estimated cost of Rs 1828 crore.

The institute will add 1000 beds to its current capacity in Kashmir, including 300 super-speciality beds. The ambitious project also includes a Medical College with a capacity of 100 students and a Nursing College with a capacity of 60 students.

The deadline for the construction of AIIMS, Awantipora is December 31, 2024. Therefore, the UG classes are expected to start in 2025 for the academic year 2025-2026.

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