The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) recently stated that the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) at Erragadda and the Telangana government have foregone the Central government assistance worth ₹25 crore in developing the institute into a centre of excellence (CoE).
In its recent report for 2017, the CAG pointed out that ₹30 crore was sanctioned by the Indian Government in 2009 for capital work, technical and non-technical equipment, a library and a facility as well as support staff based on proposals sent by the State. In March 2010, the Centre released ₹5.28 crore as the first instalment.
The CAG noted that the institute submitted budget estimates to construct a PG hostel block and an academic block only by February 2014, when it was asked by the government to do so in June 2009. However, the administration did not start civil work until June 2016. In fact, the Health Minister had laid the foundation stone for ₹18-crore capital work in June 2017.
“When the non-commencement of work/activities relating to the establishment of centre of excellence was pointed out by the Audit, the IMH replied in August 2016 that its work at IMH was delayed/could not commence as there were several litigations pending in various courts against the identified land and that a suitable alternative land could not be readily identified,” the CAG report stated.
The report, however, goes on to question IMH by stating that the institute and the government were aware of the litigations when proposals were submitted to the Centre in August 2009.
While admitting delay, the institute’s administration maintained that the central assistance was being provided as was promised earlier. However, the institute had not received its second instalment yet, as representatives of the National Mental Health Programme have been categorical in releasing more funds from the slotted budget of ₹30 crore only if records showing usage of first instalment were submitted.
“The construction has begun and work is under way now. The entire project remains a wholly Centre-funded initiative. Future funding has been promised,” an official told The Hindu .
The institute, which also houses a 600-bed mental health treatment facility, continues to be plagued by lawsuits, filed by litigants who claim affiliation to the erstwhile Nizam government and the rulers. The land on which the hospital stands was given on lease from Nizam’s Royal Air Force in 1908.
After the work started last year, at least one more lawsuit has been added to the body of litigation, but sources at the institute said no injunction staying the ongoing work has been granted.
