Srinagar, Sep 22 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has said students of Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Associated Hospital, Jasrota, are continuing their academic and clinical training under an interim arrangement with Government Medical College (GMC), Kathua, pending completion of the institution's independent infrastructure.
Responding to queries regarding the status of the college, the government, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the arrangement with GMC Kathua had been made as a "facilitative interim measure" in the academic interest of students to ensure continuity of studies and clinical training.
The government said administrative approval for the construction of the Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital (GHMCH), Kathua, was accorded by the Health and Medical Education Department through Government Order No. 555-JK(HME) of 2025 dated August 7, 2025, at an approved cost of Rs 52.69 crore.
Subsequently, technical sanction for the project was accorded by the Chief Engineer, PW(R&B) Department, Jammu Zone, in May 2026 at a cost of Rs 51.72 crore.
The work was initially tendered through e-NIT No. 04 of 2026-27 dated June 9, 2026. However, the first tender was cancelled on the recommendations of the Technical Committee to facilitate wider participation and greater competition.
A fresh tender was later floated through e-NIT No. 11 of 2026-27 dated July 15, 2026. The government said the matter was subsequently considered by the Contract Committee headed by the Engineer-in-Chief, PW(R&B) Department, following which the executing agency issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the successful bidder.
"The construction work shall accordingly be taken forward as per the approved scope and contractual provisions," the government said.
On the issue of revising the original MSR-2013 proposal in accordance with NCH/MESR-2024 norms, the government said the project had moved beyond the proposal stage and entered the implementation phase after completion of administrative approval, technical sanction and tendering processes.
It said the work would be executed in accordance with the approved design and scope, applicable National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) norms, contractual conditions and stipulated timelines.
However, the government did not specify a completion timeline, stating only that progress would be closely monitored to ensure expeditious execution.
On vacant posts and the status of Recruitment Rules (RRs), the government said steps were being taken to ensure adequate teaching, non-teaching and support staff for the institution.
It said manpower requirements were being assessed in accordance with applicable NCH norms and the functional requirements of the college.
The proposal to bring the institution under the ambit of S.O. 364 of 2020, which would facilitate engagement of faculty and staff on an academic arrangement basis, is under consideration, the government said, adding that Recruitment Rules are under process and expected to be finalised expeditiously.
Regarding the availability of essential homoeopathic medicines, the government said priority was being given to ensuring adequate supplies at all government health institutions, including the Kathua college and hospital.
It said medicine requirements were assessed on the basis of patient load, clinical needs and academic requirements, with procurement undertaken as per prescribed procedures and subject to availability of funds and approvals.
The government did not provide specific figures on budget allocation or utilisation, stating only that necessary budgetary support was being provided through approved allocations and funds released from time to time.
On hostel, transport and ambulance facilities for BHMS students, the government said dedicated facilities envisaged for a fully operational independent institution would be developed in a phased manner as the college's infrastructure is still under construction.
In the meantime, students are being facilitated through available institutional arrangements to ensure their academic programme and clinical training continue uninterrupted.
The government added that hostel, transport and ambulance facilities would be strengthened progressively alongside the development and operationalisation of the independent institution, subject to availability of resources and completion of prescribed procedures—(KNO)