By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma avoided a direct reply on the question whether criminal cases are in progress in some other countries against the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is a consultancy which the Government has appointed to prepare the bidding process for the medical college under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode in Shillong.
Leader of Opposition Conrad K Sangma raised this question during the Question Hour in the Assembly on Friday.
Sangma insisted that the Chief Minister reply directly whether there are ongoing criminal cases against the IFC in some other countries.
While refusing to response, Dr Sangma said that he required a notice to reply to this question.
“I would reply only when a separate question on this issue is being raised,” Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition questioned the Government for adopting two separate yardsticks in setting up of the two medical colleges in the State.
Sangma said that he does not see any justification as to why the medical college in Shillong is not being set up under the Public Sector.
“I strongly feel that the Government should allocate funds for the medical college,” he said.
While criticizing the decision to rope in private players for setting up of this medical college, Leader of Opposition said that the reservation of 40 seats for the State out of the 100 medical seats in proposed medical college under PPP mode is totally unjustified.
“Students from outside would enjoy maximum seats since 60 seats will be reserved for the private players. I do not see that the State would benefit from this project,” he said while insisting that the State should demand for more reservation of seats for the student from the State in the proposed medical college.
In reply, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that the Government cannot afford to have two Government medical colleges in the State.
“Everyone is aware that even in the institute like NEIGRIHMS they are facing the problem of recruitment of faculties. The Government will not have the capacity of getting faculties for both the medical colleges. Under this PPP mode, the burden to get the faculties would be on the private players,” he said.
Chief Minister also maintained that the selection of the firm in setting of the medical college has been done through a transparent bidding process.