Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 10: The J&K Government today asserted that the funding structure and budgetary allocations of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, remain unchanged, dispelling concerns over any dilution of the financial or administrative autonomy of the premier healthcare institution.
Replying to a question by MLA Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah in the Legislative Assembly, the Health and Medical Education Department said, “The funding structure of SKIMS remains unchanged, and budgetary allocations continue to be made under the Health Budget, as was the position earlier.”
The MLA had asked whether SKIMS was earlier a fully autonomous institute and, if so, the reasons for the alleged downgrading of its autonomous status.
The Government clarified that SKIMS, established in 1976, and suggested that it continues to function as an autonomous institution and awards degrees under the provisions of the SKIMS (Grant of Degrees) Act, 1983.
“SKIMS continues to award degrees in accordance with the provisions of the SKIMS (Grant of Degrees) Act, 1983. As per the applicable Transaction of Business Rules, the subject of SKIMS continues to be assigned to the Health and Medical Education Department,” it said.
On changes following the reorganisation of the erstwhile State of J&K, the Government said that “certain administrative arrangements relating to the composition of the Governing Body have undergone change,” hinting that these do not affect the institute’s autonomy or financial structure.
Addressing concerns over maintenance and infrastructure, the Government said SKIMS earlier had an independent Engineering Wing, which was reorganised as part of a broader administrative restructuring.
The MLA had also asked whether SKIMS had its own Maintenance Division prior to 2019 which was later wound up, leading to several projects remaining unattended and the lapse of substantial funds, and what steps had been taken to restore the institution’s “pristine glory”.
In response, the Government said that post-reorganisation, the Engineering Wings of several departments and organisations, including SKIMS, were reorganised.
“Consequently, the Engineering Wing of SKIMS now stands subsumed with the Public Works (R&B) Division, Soura, located within the SKIMS premises,” the reply said.
It added that all developmental and maintenance works at SKIMS are presently being executed through the said division, and that ongoing and pending works were taken over and carried forward in a time-bound manner.
“Most works have been completed both physically and financially, and the remaining works are at an advanced stage of completion,” the Government said.
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