Gov concerned over delay of Medical College, HC complex

Nagaland Governor, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi on Saturday raised concern over the delay and “unsatisfactory development” of the Medical College (Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research) at Phriebagie and the High Court complex at Meriema both under Kohima district.
In order review the status of the projects, Prof. Mukhi inspected both the sites on Saturday, PRO Raj Bhavan said in a press note.
Officials present at the time of inspection explained that the Covid-19 was one of the reason behind the delay in completing the projects while also non release of fund on time including land issues etc. had hampered the physical progress of the project.
NIMS&R admissions by Aug-Sept 2023: Concerning the medical college, the officials stated that based on the DPR prepared, the Centre approved grant of Rs.189 crore in 2014, in which the funding pattern was 90:10 by Central and State Government respectively.
According to the officials, the works to be covered under Package A (Medical College within 189 crores) include– infrastructure for Medical College building, girls and boys Hostel (250 nos), residential apartment- 200 Sqm (1 block-10 units), residential apartment-100 Sqm (8 blocks- 48 units), dean residence, MS residence, sports block and library & lecture hall building (Rs. 30 crores funding through World Bank). Under Package B (Teaching Hospital)– New 400 bedded teaching Hospital (Rs. 177 crores funding through JICA), existing 100 bedded Hospital up-gradation (funding through state government), mortuary, girls & boys hostel (250 nos) and intern hostel (100 nos).
While assuring that the medical projects would be completed soon, the officials also informed that Naga Hospital would be upgraded and used as teaching hospital during the first three years and that the medical college admissions would begin from August-September 2023.
HC complex expected to complete by Dec 2022: The Governor was apprised that the work order for the Construction of New High Court Building Complex (Main High Court Building civil works) was allotted to contractor M/s Vilelie Khamo & Son on October 29, 2012.
Prof. Mukhi was informed that the stipulated target for completion is December 2022, subject availability of fund. Till date, they said only 21% of the total amount of fund was released, though the physical progress of work stood at 72%.
The Governor was also assured that the main complex would be completed by the end of this year provided fund was made available to the contractor.
NPN Adds: Meanwhile, speaking to Nagaland Post, Health and Family Welfare secretary also highlighted several reasons for the delay in completing the medical college. The secretary said issues like unstable soil condition at the site resulting in swelling of the soil, which led to breakdown of PCC breakage of the building. The official said that work started only after the completion of the retaining wall. The official also said that one of the major issue was procuring materials from outside the State particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, besides restricted movement imposed during the construction of Dimapur-Kohima four lane road.
Shortage of labourers were another issue, the secretary said, adding most of the works were left abandoned as the labourers unable to be at the site due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.
It was also informed that out of the total cost for the Medical College, around Rs. 80.15 crore has been utilized so far.
Meanwhile, it was also learnt that around 60 posts for appointment of faculty and administration have been approved and advertisement for recruitment process to be put up soon. The state was also preparing for filing the LOI/LoP for the academic session 2023-24.
Further, chief secretary J Alam, who heads the search-cum-selection committee for appointment of Director-cum-Dean will be meeting on July 13 next to finalize the appointment.