TN will get funds for AIIMS after Cabinet nod: TN Health minister
Indicating that the project is all set to take off smoothly, the minister said funds would flow once the Cabinet approves the DPR.
Chennai: The work on establishing the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Thoppur near Madurai in the state is all set to commence immediately after the Union Cabinet gives its nod and the Centre allocates funds, health minister Dr C. Vijayabaskar has informed the Assembly on Thursday. The institute will be established on a budget of Rs 1,500 crore. “At present the detailed project report (DPR) is being finalised and after the Union Cabinet approves it, the Central government will ensure financial allocation,” Vijayabaskar said responding to the issue raised by DMK working president and leader of the Opposition in the Assembly M. K. Stalin.
Indicating that the project is all set to take off smoothly, the minister said funds would flow once the Cabinet approves the DPR. “There should not be any problem. Already the Tamil Nadu government assured to fulfill all the five conditions laid down by the Centre with regard to setting up the AIIMS,” he said and added that Tamil Nadu had even sent to the Centre minutes of a meeting signifying compliance to the five conditions. It may be recalled the Central government has requested the State government to provide land, water supply, electricity and four-lane road connectivity to the proposed AIIMS.
Raising the issue, Mr. Stalin sought to know if there would be any progress in the AIIMS project. “Has any funds been allocated to begin the project after it was announced to be set up in Thoppur?” Stalin asked sounding sceptical.
On Stalin’s allegation that few students from the neighbouring states were getting admissions in Tamil Nadu medical college by obtaining nativity certificates, Vijayabaskar said rules have been made more stringent to prevent such a situation. As many as 12 new provisions have been included to ensure that only students belonging to Tamil Nadu got admissions.
“There is no scope for students from other states to get admission. However, admission cannot be denied to students who completed their schooling in the state. Except the All-India quota of 15 per cent, 85 per cent seats are filled with the students of Tamil Nadu,” he said.