J&K govt to identify land for AIIMS in both divisions of state

Jammu and Kashmir government today said the Centre has asked it to identify 200 acres of land each in the state's two divisions for setting up AIIMS.
"Government of India has advised the state government to identify pieces of land measuring approximately 200 acres each in Jammu and Srinagar Divisions (for the purpose of setting up AIIMS hospital in the state)," Minister for Higher Education Naeem Akhtar said in a written reply in the Assembly.
Independent MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid had asked if there was any proposal for establishing separate AIIMS in Jammu.
The setting up of AIIMS in the state has sparked a row with quarters in Jammu demanding the tertiary care institution be set up in that region.

The government has, however, made no final decision on the land, he said.
"Two teams have been constituted by Government of India for visiting and finalising the sites for the establishment of AIIMS," Akhtar said.

Rashid, who has in the past supported setting up AIIMS both the regions - Jammu and Srinagar - had also asked if the state government had any plans to set up IIT, IIM, and IIMC (Indian Institute of Mass Communication) in Kashmir region as well.
These institutes have been granted to Jammu region already.
"The matter pertains to Government of India," the Minister replied.