Sajad Lone asks Govt to identify college site before deadline expiry

Jammu, Mar 11: Former minister and Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Lone Tuesday asked the J&K government to expedite the process of identification of site for GMC Handwara, before the expiry of the deadline i.e., March end this year. Lone, while addressing a press conference, at his residence, said, “GMC Handwara issue was raked up today in the assembly. I thought it proper to share its details with you. It was approved during our (PDP-BJP) government between the period 2015-18. Saara Kaam Uss Dauraan Huya Tha (all formalities related to it were completed during that period).”

“By the time the project was approved, the government had collapsed and the state was under Governor rule. SP Malik was Governor at that time. Following it, its land was identified somewhere. Then last year, floods occurred in May probably. Since then its new site has not been selected,” Lone rued.

He said that he had asked a question on this account (in the House). Two days ago, the Minister, in her reply, had said that the site number two, which was nearby, just 2 kms away from the existing site, was selected, Lone said. “Today she said that a new site was being selected. We don’t have any problem with that as the hospital is at a separate place. This building will have teaching facilities, the hostel and other paraphernalia. Problem is that the sanctioned amount of Rs 500 crore is central funding, which is going to expire in the next 20 days, by the end of March,” Lone said.

He said, “Till date the Union Health Ministry has not shown any inclination or any communication to suggest that it is going to increase the time frame. There is another additional problem i.e., since facilities are not there, they may face recognition problems. We, therefore, appeal to the J&K government to ensure that this GMC is not killed and the land is selected on priority within the next couple of days so that the Union Health Ministry is conveyed about the availability of land and other requirements.”

He said that three days ago he met the Lieutenant Governor also on this account and submitted him a letter. “I requested him (LG) to speak to the Union Health Ministry to get its (GMC Handwara’s) funding timeline extended. He also assured me that he would take it up with the union ministry. My point is only that our government should strictly focus on ensuring these Rs 500 crore and this big institution sanctioned for us should not be stuck up because of our follies and delay on our part,” former minister said.