Demand to set up AIIMS in Madurai picks up steam

Move will benefit 2.30 crore people, say speakers at fast

The need for establishing All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Thoppur, near Madurai was stressed by speakers at the day-long token fast who explained at length how it would benefit not only people from southern districts, but also those in parts of Central districts like Karur, Perambalur and Tiruchi.

Two years ago, the Union government had announced in its budget that AIIMS would be established in Tamil Nadu on the model of the one in New Delhi. Last year, the Finance Ministry had earmarked funds as well. However, due to ‘delay’ from the Tamil Nadu government in identifying the land, the project could not take off.

As many as five locations including Madurai figured in the proposal. A study team from New Delhi had ‘favoured’ Madurai as it’s choice as it had all the features than other locations.

Recently, when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami had been to New Delhi, he had appealed to the Prime Minister to establish the AIIMS at Sengipatti in Thanjavur district.

Shocked over CM’s move, the people and various organisations from the southern districts of that State had come together to urge the governments to reconsider the decision.

Makkal Iyakkam

Under the banner ‘Makkal Iyakkam,’ the Madurai District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association had organised a one-day token fast in the city on Wednesday.

Presiding over the agitation, chief coordinator V.S. Manimaran said that when Madurai was the acceptable location to all stakeholders, the sudden ‘U’ turn by the government in suggesting another town only created confusion and delay. It must be noted that the Union government had earmarked funds for the AIIMS to be set up in three states including TN and works in other States had begun including in Uttarakhand. So instead of delaying it further, the government should step-in and stick to the proposal to build the state-of-the-art hospital in Madurai.

Speakers from various political outfits including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) led by its leader Jothiram, Bharatiya Janata Party and other regional parties supported the agitation.

The BJP state secretary, R. Srinivasan, said that more than any other city, Madurai would be able to cater to a larger section of people as people not only from southern districts, but even those from towns as far as Perambalur and Karur can benefit as the road connectivity was good. A total of 2.30 crore population, as per 2011 census, would reap rich benefits. The BJP, he said, would strongly voice for Madurai, he asserted.

Various organisations and trade bodies from Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Theni, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and other towns supported the agitation. Perrys Mahendravel presided over the fast.

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