Srinagar: Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, has accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of diverting Rs 55 crore allocated for the Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara to GMC Udhampur.
Addressing a hurriedly convened news conference in Kupwara on Saturday evening, Lone, as per KNO, expressed deep concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to undermine the development of medical infrastructure in Kashmir.
“I have come to know that Rs 55 crore approved for GMC Handwara has been diverted to GMC Udhampur,” Lone said.
This marks the first major allegation of regional fund diversion since the formation of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lone further accused the NC-led government of intentionally stalling the GMC Handwara project by creating unnecessary controversy over the location of the hostel and administrative buildings.
“They want people to fight over the location. Their real intention is to scuttle the project,” he said. “They want the funds to lapse. This money has already lapsed twice.”
He criticized the government for failing to finalize the site for the GMC hostel and office buildings, despite having had nearly a year to do so.
“Was there any problem before the formation of the government? Did we interfere in finalizing the location?” Lone asked. (KNO)
