By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Lucknow: Two projects situated within a distance of three kilometres from each other reflect government’s vision in Lucknow. The first one Rama Bai Ambedkar Rally Sthal meant for holding rallies is complete within a span of three years while a Unani medical college in the same area is under construction for past eight years.
The college having lost favours from the state government is gasping for funds while the construction cost has almost doubled. Construction work started at the Takmil Uttab Unani Medical College at Bijanoure Bangla Bazar in Lucknow in 2002. Estimated at Rs 524.52 lakhs, the college was meant to accommodate the existing unani medical college in old city which also offers 40 BUMS seats. Students are admitted in it through prestigious Combined Pre-Medical Test (CPMT). The college was supposed to house 100 beds after completion.
However, after eight years the construction is still incomplete while the cost has escalated to nearly Rs 1024 lakhs. “It is due to delay in release of funds for construction of the college. They were released in annual installments and thus delaying the work besides increasing the total cost with the passage of time,” said a faculty member at the college. He admits that there is no deadline for the completion of the college. Surprisingly, even the central government which is promoting alternative system of medicines including unani stream also delayed in releasing funds. It is yet to release Rs 80 lakhs as announced in 2008 for the construction of a hostel in the college campus.
Meanwhile, officials at medical education department claimed that college would be completed within the current fiscal. “Funds are being allotted for the construction of the unani medical college. Some extension parts may be delayed but it will be complete this year,” said KC Rastogi, OSD at medical education department.