Protesting the delay in implementation of the IGH Medical College and Super Speciality Hospital projects in Rourkela, senior BJP leader and Rourkela MlA Dilip Ray has decided to keep himself away from his own party’s Vikash Utsav rally to be addressed by Union Minister of Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar here on Monday.
Ray criticised the delay in upgrading the Ispat General Hospital (IGH) into a multi-speciality hospital as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi April 1, 2015. PM had promised to convert the IGH into a multi specialty hospital.
According to Ray, the work, which should have been completed in two months, is yet to be started even after 14 months. The PM’s directive is not being implemented, he alleged.
“The work on IGH has only progressed to the extent of the appointment of a consultant in 14 months. The consultant has submitted a feasibility report which is yet to be given to the SAIl board. The work is not being done at the speed at which it should be. This has created confusion among the public. I am disappointed that despite PM’s directive, the work is getting delayed,” said Ray.
It may be noted that the PM had declared to upgrade the IGC on April 1 2015. Subsequently, MlA Ray talked to Union Steel Minister in August about the progress. Then he hoped that the students might take admission in the Medical College from 2016-17 sessions. Reacting to Ray’s allegations, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said the work has slowed down a bit but super specialty services is already being discharged from a clinic with the help of a doctor who is visiting the hospital from Hyderabad.
“We will try and convince Ray to join the rally,” said Oram. BJP State general secretary Pruthiraj Harichandan said there is no problem in expressing his disappointment as a local MlA.
Meanwhile, Rourkela DCC president Biren Senapati said it was not Vikash Utsav rather Vinash Utsav. So it is upto Ray whether he will join or not.
Rourkela BJD president Anand Mohanty said Modi had also announced to construct a second bridge on the Brahmani along at the same time. Besides, Ray had also assured to establish a Passport office, commercial air port, hanging bridge and many more. Not a single project is carried out so far, he alleged.
But political pundits see it in different angle. According to them, 15 days back, Ray and Oram had reviewed progress of the proposed medical college at the Rourkela House with RSP top officials. At that time, Ray didn’t open his voice. As he is now reacting in an odd manner, an alternate political equation is seen by them.