Minister for Health and Medical Education Mr Bali Bhagat today informed the House that Rs 1.73 crore had not been allocated to GMC for purchase of drugs/medicines and equipments as has been alleged in a news report. He said infact Principal Medical College Jammu had observed a saving of Rs 1.73 crore at the close of the financial year under different heads.The Minister said that in response to issue raised by some members including Choudhary Mohammed Akram, G M Saroori, Vikar Rasool, Deldan Namgial, Asgar Ali Karbalai and Gulzar Ahmad Wani in the house previously.He said that with a view to avoid lapsing of funds available under the heads of upgradation of Pathology Department, construction of 20 bedded boys and girls hostel at Rural Training Centre RS Pura, Construction of additional examination hall and establishment of eye bank, amounting to Rs 1.73 crore in total, the Principal GMC Jammu proposed re-appropriation of the said funds primarily towards the clearance of work done liabilities so that the available amount can be suitably utilized.
He said the amount of Rs 1.73 crore was proposed by the Principal for re-appropriation for Mechanized Works and Drugs. He said the said proposal was taken up with Planning, Development and Monitoring Department for its concurrence. He said Planning Development and Monitoring Department approved re-appropriation of only Rs 1.53 crore instead of rupees 1.73 crore.The Minister said release of funds was accordingly, immediately conveyed to Principal GMC Jammu for its utilization under norms.The Minister further informed that based on a communication received from Deputy Director Planning, GMC, an enquiry committee was framed, as an abundant caution, to examine and physically verify as to whether the works executed actually exist on ground. He said the report was yet to be received and in the meanwhile members of committee viz Deputy Director Planning GMC Jammu was relieved by Principal Medical College Jammu to join Planning Department and the Assistant Director Planning GMC Jammu was transferred in normal course by the Department. The Minister said that the Department is committed to ensure that all the facts in the issue are brought to fore. He said in this regard a higher level committee is being constituted within next two days for completing this inquiry.