A 12- hour economic blockade was held in Talcher by the Talcher Government Medical College Kriyaunsthan Committee on Monday to vent disenchantment against delay in operation of the Mahanadi Institute of Medical Science and Research (MIMSAR).
The agitators protested the step motherly attitude of the Union and State Governments, holding them equally responsible for the uncertainty lingering over the medical college (MC).
All the shops, malls and financial institutions were closed. Tranportation of coal by road and rail and production of coal was severly affected. All the coal mines were shut.
Due to the support of Bus Owners Association, the passenger vehicles also stood off the road. Though the Government offices were opened, but not a single person was seen in the offices. Medicals, schools, colleges and other emergency services were exempted. Over 16 persons were arrested by the police and sent to Talcher Jail for participating in the agitation.
Notably, an agreement was made in 2008 to establish a MC for the benefit of people in the mining affected region of Talcher and after that in the year 2015, the foundation stone was laid for the MC. An amount of Rs 492 crore was spent form the DMF for the infrastructure of the MC.
However, uncertainty has been prevailing over running the MC as neither the MCL nor the State Government was ready to take responsibility for the same. “It is a matter of regret that after completion of the building since 2018, the MC has not started functioning. The MCL and State Government are throwing ball in each other’s court,” lamented a member of the Kriyanusthan Committee.
