Agartala: Tripura Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman on Sunday accused Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha of endorsing corrupt practices and indulging in favoritism, prompting the cabinet spokesperson to issue a rebuttal within hours.
The Congress MLA alleged that the Chief Minister’s office bypassed the state council of ministers to allot a parcel of land to a Manipur-based private hospital for the establishment of a super-speciality hospital.
In response, Tripura cabinet spokesperson and tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury dismissed the allegations, asserting that the proposed ‘lease agreement’ with the private hospital was still in its early stages, and approval from the state cabinet would only be required at a later time.
“The Congress MLA reacted hastily. Whoever provided him with the information was unaware of the procedures involved in the project,” Chowdhury explained.
Earlier, Barman said, “A total of 28 acres of land, equivalent to 70 kanis (a local land measurement unit) belonging to the Animal Resource Development department, is being prepared to be leased to a private hospital, Shija hospital. The District Magistrate has been asked for an NOC so that the land can ultimately be allotted to Shija hospital.”
According to Barman, he has no objection to a super-speciality hospital being set up in Tripura but emphasized that the official process must be followed.
“The government hasn’t floated any tender for setting up such a hospital in the state. A handpicked private institution has been selected for this purpose, bypassing the state council of ministers,” Barman alleged.
Accusing Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who also holds the health department portfolio, of favoritism, Barman said, “The cabinet was kept in the dark about this decision. This suggests quid pro quo or, in simple terms, ‘chanda do dhanda (donate and get business).’ This is a clear case of favoring a private entity.”
It is noteworthy that Shija hospital, established in 1985, is a Manipur-based private hospital. Recently, doctors from Shija hospital performed a kidney transplant at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala.
Issuing a rebuttal later in the day, Chowdhury said, “The Congress MLA was in a rush to make the matter public. He should have waited to gather more information. First of all, the process is still in its early stages and does not yet require cabinet approval. A parcel of land has been identified, and the District Magistrate has written to the Animal Resource Development department for an NOC. Once the NOC is obtained, the revenue department will make a proposal and submit it to the state cabinet for approval.”
Secretary of the Health Department, Kiran Gitte, further clarified that obtaining the NOC was part of an internal process, and subsequent actions would follow the Land Lease Policy of 2022. “There is nothing to hide. If the private hospital gets the land on lease, they will pay a premium, and an annual rent will be charged,” Gitte added.
Chowdhury also condemned the Congress MLA’s stance. “We all know many people in Tripura are suffering due to the lack of advanced medical facilities. A large number have to leave the state and spend their hard-earned money on treatment elsewhere. The Congress MLA’s opposition to this health sector development project clearly indicates they do not want the state to prosper,” Chowdhury concluded.
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