Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 2: The Government has clarified that no funds earmarked for the Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara have been diverted to any other medical colleges in J&K.
In reply to a question raised in the Legislative Assembly by MLA Langate Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department said, “No funds earmarked for GMC Handwara have been diverted to any other GMC.”
The clarification comes amid concerns regarding the delay in resumption of construction work at the GMC Handwara site, which, the Government in this reply stated, was halted after heavy flash floods in April 2024 submerged the original Maidan Chougal site up to 12 feet.
The department said the “sunset date” for the establishment of GMC Handwara, along with the associated District/Referral Hospital, has been extended till March 2026.
It noted that the resumption of work depends on several factors, including compliance with National Medical Council (NMC) guidelines for relocation, transfer of 200 kanals of encumbrance-free land by the Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, issuance of a No Objection Certificate from the Science and Technology Department, and a technical feasibility report from the Chief Engineer, PW(R&B) North Kashmir.
The Government also stated that an additional Rs 70 crore will be required beyond the original project scope, along with a financial commitment for the remaining central share post-March 2026, before the matter can be placed before the Council of Ministers for change of site approval.
Regarding the Associated Hospital at Langate, the department informed that Rs 164.48 lakh has been earmarked for the current financial year (2025-26) for activities including the installation of a 26-passenger lift, infrastructure strengthening, and related works, targeted for completion by March 31, 2026.
At present, the Government said, OPD, Ophthalmology, and Paediatrics services are functional at the hospital. Upon completion of the lift and other infrastructure works, the feasibility of operationalizing additional facilities will be reviewed.
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