Assam gets Rs 97.49 crore to build Medical Infrastructure to fight COVID-19

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The Centre has sanctioned the Rs 97.49 crore proposal of the Assam government to build Health-related infrastructure in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The State government's proposal was accepted in a recent meeting held in Delhi. This 22nd meeting of the 'Inter Ministerial Committee of NESIDS (North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme) Committee was held under the chairmanship of the Secretary, Ministry of DoNER (Department of Development of the North Eastern Region). NESIDS is a 100 per cent Centrally-funded scheme.

The State government has also confirmed that the sanctioned money would be solely used for COVID-19-related activities and would be utilized as early as possible; but not later than within a maximum time span of six months from the date of sanction.

Assam Chief Secretary, Kumar Sanjay Krishna along with officials of Health, Finance and Planning Department of State Government participated in the meeting through video conferencing (VC). The Assam government gave a detailed presentation explaining the salient features of the proposal, and justification for the same during the meeting and informed that the cost of the proposal of upgradation of 24 district hospitals for setting up 414 ICUs (Intensive Care Units) for treatment of COVID-19 patients is Rs.194.35 crore. The Committee was also informed that the total project cost is based on DPR (Detailed Project Reports) already prepared by the State Government.

The Committee was also informed that the overall project has two components for a total estimated cost of Rs.395.15 crore. While the first component for Rs. 194.35 crore is being placed before the Committee for funding under NESIDS of the Ministry of DoNER (Development of the North Eastern Region), the second component of Rs.198.79 crore, which is mainly for the construction of residential buildings, will be taken care of by the State government.

The project proposal of Assam was forwarded to Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) and the Ministry recommended the project at a cost of Rs. 97.49 crore.

Also Watch: ND Road in Barpathar in Pathetic Condition