Odisha CM raises demand for second AIIMS at Sundargarh

BHUBANESWAR: Underlining Sundargarh’s contribution towards the energy security of the country in terms of coal production, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday raised the demand for establishment of AIIMS in the district as Union coal and mines minister Pralhad Joshi met him at Naveen Niwas.
As NTPC has constructed an integrated campus of a 500-bedded hospital and 100-seated medical college at Sundargarh, the state government has been demanding to establish a second AIIMS by adding required infrastructure to the existing facility.
“Considering Sundargarh’s contribution in providing energy security to the country and to the national development by adding to steel and iron ore production, the Centre should come forward to fulfil the long-standing demand of the people of this tribal-dominated district for an AIIMS,” said Naveen during the meeting.
Admission in Sundargarh medical college will be started from 2022-23 academic year, for which the state government has already sanctioned 271 teaching and non-teaching posts. Sources said the chief minister assured full support to the Centre for establishment of AIIMS at Sundargarh.
During the meeting, the chief minister also demanded early operationalization of medical college and hospital at Angul, another major coal-bearing district.
“The 500-beded and 100-seated medical college and hospital, for which infrastructure has already been developed, will benefit largely the people of Dhenkanal and Angul,” said Naveen.
During the meeting, Naveen raised the issue of clean energy cess charged on coal and demanded for at least 60% share on the cess collected from Odisha.
The chief minister said Odisha produced 153.85 million tonnes of coal contributing to about 25 percent of country’s production in the year 2020-21.
“The Centre collected clean energy cess at Rs 400 per tonne, which amounts to more than Rs 50,000 crore. Thus, 60% of the cess will give Odisha an amount of Rs 30,000 crore which can be utilized for the economic development of coal mining areas and the affected people,” said the chief minister adding the amount will accelerate Odisha’s development in the aftermath of covid situation.
Sources said the long-standing demand of Odisha for revision of coal royalty was not figured in the meeting. An official said the issue might not have been raised as the Centre has already clarified not to revise the royalty on coal at present.
Union minister of state for railways, coal and mines Raosaheb Patil Danve was also present during the meeting.