Chief Secretary takes cognisance of delays in AIIMS Kashmir

Srinagar, Jun 9: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Monday chaired a high level meeting to review the progress on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) project in Kashmir besides addressing the operational and expansion-related issues raised by AIIMS Jammu.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Directors of AIIMS Jammu/Kashmir; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir/Jammu; Secretary, Public Works (R&B); Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department; Project Director, NHAI; Chief Engineers of PHE and PDD and other senior officials.

The Chief Secretary took serious notice of the slow pace of construction work at AIIMS Kashmir and expressed strong dismay over the inadequate deployment of men and machinery on the site. He said that this flagship project, which is being closely monitored at the national level and through the Prime Minister’s PRAGATI review meetings, must not be allowed to lag behind.

He emphasised that accountability must be fixed on the contractor for failing to mobilize sufficient skilled and unskilled labourers to meet the project timelines. He directed the CPWD to expedite the pace of work and initiate the immediate remedial measures on this account. He asked to issue strict instructions to the contractor to avoid any further delay.