AIIMS land mapping awaits central funds: Health minister

Health minister Kaul Singh Thakur said the work of mapping the site of construction of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Kothipura in Bilaspur district is yet to begin as the Central government has not released the required funds.

Health minister Kaul Singh Thakur said the work of mapping the site of construction of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Kothipura in Bilaspur district is yet to begin as the Central government has not released the required funds.

“I have raised the issue with union health minister JP Nadda that the project has been held up due to delay in funding by the centre,” Thakur said. (HT File Photo)

In a press conference here, Thakur said Rs 7.49 lakh was required for the site mapping and the centre was supposed to pay for it. “I have raised the issue with union health minister JP Nadda that the project has been held up due to delay in funding by the centre,” he said.

He also said the delay in release of funds would also delay the construction of AIIMS. The state had identified the required land at Kothipura.

Thakur also trashed the BJP’s claim that Congress ministers and MLAs are in touch with the party in order to exit the Congress. Thakur said he was with the Congress party for the last 40 years and will remain with the party. “BJP should publicly declare the names of MLAs and ministers who are in touch with them,” he said.