Hyderabad: Former Minister and BRS Legislature Party Deputy Floor Leader T. Harish Rao strongly criticised the Congress government on Wednesday. He blamed it for the lack of basic infrastructure at Maheswaram Government Medical College. He also demanded immediate steps to protect the students’ academic future.
Harish Rao visited the students’ protest camp at Mangalpally in Ibrahimpatnam constituency. Former Minister P. Sabitha Indra Reddy, former MLA Manchireddy Kishan Reddy and BRS General Secretary Kyama Mallesh joined him. He interacted with students and parents.
The BRS leader alleged that students have suffered because building rent, electricity and water bills have gone unpaid for 26 months. He said the college has no drinking water, toilets, laboratories, library or hostel facilities. He also flagged missing occupancy, fire safety and Pollution Control Board clearances. He claimed that snakes, pigs, dogs and monkeys roam the premises.
Questioning the government’s priorities, Harish Rao asked how it could announce massive spending on projects such as Musi beautification and Future City. He said it still fails to provide basic facilities to medical students.
BRS recalls earlier allocations for the college
He recalled that the previous BRS government allocated 25 acres for the college. It sanctioned Rs.182 crore for buildings and hostels and laid the foundation stone for a 400-bed hospital. He alleged that construction has remained stalled for three years since the Congress government took office.
Demanding urgent intervention, Harish Rao called for immediate bus facilities, drinking water and toilets. He also asked the authorities to allow students’ vehicles onto the campus. He wants the District Collector and the Director of Medical Education to visit the protest camp and hold discussions with students.
He further sought relocation of the college within two months. The new site should be a government or rented building with adequate facilities in Vanasthalipuram or near the LB Nagar TIMS vicinity. He demanded a written assurance from the government. He pledged that the BRS will continue its support until the students find a permanent solution.