The state government's decision to distribute the Rs 12.6-crore financial aid by the Planning Commission among the Nashik and Pune units of the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) has kicked up a row within the health university authorities.
While the Nashik and the Pune centres have been allocated Rs 5 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively, officials at the Pune regional centre say that the entire Plan panel aid was meant for developing a medical teachers' training institute (TTI) in Pune. According to them, the state allocation is a consequence of the pressure built by a politically-backed lobby within MUHS at Nashik, which was against the entire aid going to Pune.
When contacted, Planning Commission member Narendra Jadhav said that the onus would be on the state government to show that the aid is used for the very purpose it was asked for. "If the purpose is met in parts at two separate places, then there won't be any objection. However, the government can be taken to task if the funds are used for any non-stated purpose. The audit review will reveal how the funds are used."
Minister of state for public health Shobha Bachhav, who is an MLA from Nashik and also MUHS senate member, has strongly refuted the allegation of any pressure on the allocation of funds.
The MUHS vice-chancellor Mrudula Phadke maintained that the funds have been distributed "most rationally, in the best possible way and considering the university's presence across the state". She said, "The MUHS belongs to the entire state and not any particular city. Equitable distribution was needed to address teachers training needs of all MUHS faculties across the headquarters and four regional centres in the state."
While the Nashik and the Pune centres have been allocated Rs 5 crore and Rs 3 crore respectively, officials at the Pune regional centre say that the entire Plan panel aid was meant for developing a medical teachers' training institute (TTI) in Pune. According to them, the state allocation is a consequence of the pressure built by a politically-backed lobby within MUHS at Nashik, which was against the entire aid going to Pune.
When contacted, Planning Commission member Narendra Jadhav said that the onus would be on the state government to show that the aid is used for the very purpose it was asked for. "If the purpose is met in parts at two separate places, then there won't be any objection. However, the government can be taken to task if the funds are used for any non-stated purpose. The audit review will reveal how the funds are used."
Minister of state for public health Shobha Bachhav, who is an MLA from Nashik and also MUHS senate member, has strongly refuted the allegation of any pressure on the allocation of funds.
The MUHS vice-chancellor Mrudula Phadke maintained that the funds have been distributed "most rationally, in the best possible way and considering the university's presence across the state". She said, "The MUHS belongs to the entire state and not any particular city. Equitable distribution was needed to address teachers training needs of all MUHS faculties across the headquarters and four regional centres in the state."
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