Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Union petroleum and natural gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan performed ‘bhumi pujan’ for a multi-specialty hospital to be built at Rojabari in Sivasagar district on May 13. The duo also ceremoniously launched the construction work of Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (RGIPT) to come up at Sivasagar district of Assam.
The multi-speciality 362-bedded hospital, to be built on a 50 acre land, will be built at a cost of Rs 312 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said that during the last 11 months, the present state government has been resolutely working to uplift the poor section of the society. The chief minister lauded Prime Minister Modi for starting a new trend by abolishing VIP culture and promoting an ambience where every person is important. He also said that RGIPT will serve the need of the youth of the state in getting quality education within the state itself and without having to go outside.
Acknowledging AASU’s role in bringing this institution to fruition, Sonowal said that it is the solemn duty of each and every individual to maintain the institution as the best in the country.
The chief minister also thanked the centre for releasing oil royalty to the state. Sonowal said that the centre’s action has boosted the state’s economy. He said that the gesture is an indication of centre’s commitment to take Assam to a higher growth trajectory.
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that it has been a long standing demand of the people of Assam for an institute of petroleum technology and a multi-speciality hospital which would cater to the needs of large part of Assam. He also informed that Babasaheb Ambedkar Vaidyakiya Prathisthan has been entrusted with the responsibility of running the multi speciality hospital in partnership with the ONGC, so that quality medical facilities can be provided to the poorest of the poor at affordable cost. He also announced that the new hospital will be named after Swargadeo Sukaphaa who immortalised the Ahom Kings’ contributions in establishing Assam where all sections of the people can lead a life of dignity and equality.
On the occasion he announced that another medical college will be set up in Sivasagar with 60:40 partnership. He also promised of starting nursing schools under the petroleum ministry at different locations like Digboi, Duliajan, Numaligarh, Bongaigaon and Guwahati.
