SRINAGAR: The Health and Medical Education Department has released over Rs 43 crore in unspent funds to compensate landowners whose land was acquired for AIIMS Awantipora.
An order issued by the health department 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 acquisition of Land measuring 272 Kanal for the establishment of AIIMS at Awantipora, Kashmir and realignment of approach for AIIMS respectively.”
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 in a timely manner. The Director 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/fulfilled in letter and spirit.”
The deadline for the construction of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Awantipora is December 31, 2024.
Approved by the central government in 2019, AIIMS Awantipora is estimated to cost Rs 1,828 crore and will add 1000 beds to the existing capacity in Kashmir, including 300 super-specialty beds.
The project includes a Medical College with a capacity of 100 students and a Nursing College with a capacity of 60 students.
