Port Blair, Nov 9: The management of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Science has strongly objected to the allegations of foul play in tenders for printing and supply of materials for the Medical College reported in a section of the local media recently. In a rebuttal, the ANIIMS administration termed the allegations as false, misleading and baseless. In a rejoinder, ANIIMS said that with the concerted efforts of the A&N Administration under the able guidance of the Lt. Governor, the long cherished dream of having a Medical College in the islands has fruitified from the session 2015-16. The administration took a well-timed decision to opt for the newly launched “Centrally Sponsored Schemes of establishment of new medical colleges attached with existing district/referral hospitals” to upgrade the existing G.B. Pant Hospital and establish the medical college. Andaman & Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair is the only Medical College from all over India, which could start its classes from this session under the said scheme. It could only be possible due to strong, determined and concerted efforts of the administration. The timeline of events may be seen as follows: Administration appointed a Consultant for establishment of Medical College, who joined on 06.03.2014, a Detailed Project Report was prepared and submitted on 28.08.2014, a Director for ANIIMS appointed and he joined on 08.10.2014 after which process for recruitment of faculty was started, MCI inspectors visited Medical College on 22.01.2015 for grant of Letter of Permission. After this, the administration rectified the discrepancies pointed out by MCI, MCI reviewed the facilities on 24.04.2015, Letter of Permission received on 08.06.2015 to start classes from 2015-2016 session and Prospectus approved on 10.06.2015.
The Letter of Permission (LOP) from MCI was received on 08th June, 2015 after much difficulties amid extensive preparations to comply with the stringent norms of the MCI. The Administration decided to commence the classes for 1st year MBBS from 1st September, 2015. The scheduled date for sale of prospectus was scheduled from 16th June, 2015 and the entrance examinations (ANIPMT) date scheduled on 02nd August, 2015. The prospectus required to be printed in multi – coloured pages which was not available in the Government Press, Port Blair, since facilities of colour printing does not exist. Hence, it was decided to carry out the printing locally after observing the codal formalities as per the provisions under GFR 2005 by inviting limited tenders. In view of dearth of time, the tender could be uploaded in the Administration’s website on 11th June, 2015 with date of submission of prospectus fixed as 12.06.2015, as the printed prospectus was to be dispatched to the outer islands before the stipulated date of sale which was due to begin on 15.06.2015. Altogether, 5 quotations were received. The firms who had quoted the first and second lowest, expressed their inability to supply the printed prospectus on or before 15th June, 2015. However, the third lowest bidder assured to supply the printed prospectus by 15th June, 2015. Accordingly, the supply order was issued to the third lowest bidder. Necessary codal formalities were observed and approval of the competent authority was taken before issuing the supply order to the firm. The printed prospectus was supplied within the stipulated period as assured by the bidder and the timelines could be adhered to.
It was actually a race against time which could be achieved after much difficulties. As the infrastructure as well as faculty placement was already completed as per the requirements of the MCI (which had to be done before MCI could grant LOP), this step of printing the prospectus was an important part and non-completion of this small step could have led to the loss of not only a year but also could lead to enormous social, emotional, physical and financial loss to the administration as well as the islanders and the aspiring students, who were eagerly awaiting the establishment of the medical college in the islands.
It has also been reiterated that the defence officials are not involved in any corrupt practices. In fact it is all because of their sincere efforts and hard work that the college has materialised in such a short time in spite of innumerable hurdles and difficulties in developing the alternate required infrastructure and bringing such large number of specialists and teaching faculty in accordance with the norms of the MCI. It has not been a small feat in any manner and this enormous mountain could only be won with the dedicated and sincere efforts of these ex-defence officials who are being blamed instead of being appreciated. The islands shall ever remain grateful to them for their incomparable passion and dedication towards the duties assigned to them, according to the official rejoinder.
