‘AIIMS should be set up in Kozhikode, Rs 2221 crore should be allocated for Wayanad rehabilitation'; CM meets PM

NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that he had informed the Prime Minister and other Union Ministers about the various demands of the state. While talking to the media in Delhi after the meeting, he said the Prime Minister has been informed about the rehabilitation of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala victims and the need to set up AIIMS in Kozhikode.

His words
'I met five Union Ministers including the Prime Minister in person. Various issues of the state were brought to his attention. The economic problems that Kerala is facing presently and the important issues were explained. All this was conveyed to the Prime Minister and other ministers. Demanded urgent intervention in the serious issues of Kerala's progress, relief and economic situation. Raised four main demands.

The demand for a grant of Rs 2221 crore from the NDRF for the rehabilitation of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala victims was raised earlier. Still requested to the Prime Minister. Requested that this be considered as a grant and not as a loan. Along with this, briefed him about the financial problems faced by the state. He demanded that the restrictions imposed by the Center on Kerala's borrowing limit be eased and the cuts made in the financial limit be eliminated.

The chief minister demanded that the refund of IGST recovery and the cuts made in extra-budgetary borrowing be postponed. Moreover, there is money given as part of the decision that the state should bear 25 percent of the cost of land acquisition for the national highway. This amount has been cut in the borrowing limit. This is the amount given by KIIFB. It has become a double blow to the state. It has also been requested that amount be allowed for borrowing.

A land has been identified at Kinalur in Kozhikode. Another demand is to set up AIIMS there. The state had earlier suggested four places for AIIMS. The Center had then informed to suggest one place. Kozhikode was suggested. Also demanded that AIIMS be set up in Kerala as soon as possible.

Also demanded that a School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) be set up in the state to strengthen scientific planning and architectural research, keeping in mind the rapid urbanization of the state. Amit Shah said the demands of the state will be approved.’