Unspent funds for AIIMS Awantipora land compensation released

Srinagar, May 15: The Health and Medical Education Department has released unspent funds for land compensation for AIIMS Awantipora for the financial year 2023-24.
“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,” said an order issued by the health department.
The department has also issued the terms and conditions with the release of unspent funds and said the funds shall be utilized only after fulfilling all the codal procedures/formalities.
“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,” the order said.
The utilization certificate of the released amount shall be furnished to health department on time and Director Finance Health & Medical Education Department shall vouchsafe the availability of funds on BEAMS portal and accordingly release the funds to the concerned.
“The instructions/conditions as contemplated in the BEAMS order shall be adhered/fulfilled in letter and spirit,” it added.
The construction of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Awantipora has been targeted for completion by December 31, 2024.
Officials said initially the AIIMS project was delayed due to some concerns for which the master plan was revised which resulted in shifting and redesigning of various buildings.
The AIIMS Kashmir is being constructed by Nagarjuna Construction Company Ltd (NCC) that is constructing this prestigious health infrastructure in the valley.
Officials of the NCC said that around 57 buildings will be constructed under this project which includes hospital, hostels, residential quarters, football ground, tennis courts, gardens having medicinal plants etc.
The AIIMS 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-specialty 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.