Call it a step towards reducing dependence on traditional power plants for electricity, the State Government has mooted a proposal of supplying solar energy to all medical colleges in the State. The ambitious project is likely to address the need of power in energy starved State.
"We will provide solar energy to all medical colleges," said Energy Minister Rajendra Singh while addressing the students on the occasion of 88th foundation day of the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry & Allied Sciences (RINPAS) on Wednesday. Singh, who also holds the Finance portfolio, reaffirmed his Government's resolve to provide solar energy in health centers up to the division level.
Also, all major hospitals will be equipped with solar energy units to meet the requirement of power. "DPR (Detailed Project Report) for four hospitals have been prepared while for the rest of the hospitals it will be completed very soon," said Director, Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency, Vikram Singh Gaur.
Interestingly, Singh played a Santa for the students of RINPAS who were on strike for revision of the stipends presently being given to them for pursuing higher studies at the institution. "I have given my assent to the demand for increasing stipends. The file has been sent to the Finance department which is also under me so it should be passed by the department also," added Singh.
Notably, MPhil students of the institution are getting a stipend of Rs 5,000 while the students of Phd get Rs 5,500 as stipend. Revised stipend for the students MPhil will be Rs 12,000 and for the Phd it will be Rs 16,000. While addressing the faculties present on the occasion, Singh assured them of leaving no stone unturned to frame the service rules and resolve all outstanding issues concerning them.
The Minister lauded the efforts of nursing, teaching and non-teaching staffs in making the institute figure among the best in its class with minimal resources at its disposal. On the occasion Singh also distributed awards to the staffs of the RINPAS. “The institute is not getting funds from the Centre. We are running it with whatever little bit of resources we have,” maintained Singh.
In his welcome note Dr Amol Ranjan, Director, RINPAS expressed his gratitude for the good efforts put by all staffs in making the institute the best in the region.