J&K Government Affirms Autonomy of SKIMS

Synopsis

On March 22, the Jammu and Kashmir government confirmed that the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) retains its autonomous status. The institute continues to function as a tertiary care hospital and deemed university, with no changes following the region's reorganization.

Key Takeaways

SKIMS remains an autonomous institution.
Operates as a tertiary care hospital and deemed university.
Budget allocations are under the Health Department.
Recruitment responsibilities shifted to JKPSC and JKSSB.
Concerns raised over lapsed capital funds.

Jammu, March 22 (NationPress) The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), located in Soura, Srinagar, continues to maintain its autonomous status, with no modifications to its position before or after the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, as reported to the state Assembly on Saturday.

In response to an inquiry posed by National Conference representative Farooq Ahmad Shah, Health & Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed that SKIMS operates as a tertiary care hospital and is also recognized as a deemed university.

It awards degrees under the SKIMS (Grant of Degrees Act), 1983, while its financial allocations are managed through the Health Department.

The government emphasized that SKIMS has always been governed by the Health and Medical Education Department in accordance with the First Schedule of the Government Business Rules.

“This structure was preserved following reorganization through the Transaction of Business Rules-2019 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” the minister stated.

Addressing issues related to recruitment, the minister noted that there have been accumulated vacancies over the years.

To facilitate hiring and promotions, recruitment functions have been delegated to the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and the Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB).

Moreover, the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation has been assigned the responsibility of procurement for SKIMS due to inefficiencies in its internal processes. The government also disclosed that ₹90 crore in capital expenditure funds have lapsed over the last three financial years, with ₹34.16 crore unutilized in 2021-22, ₹21.72 crore in 2022-23, and ₹34.22 crore in 2023-24.

The lapse in funds has raised concerns regarding financial management at this premier medical institution.

For the past three years, the Health and Medical Education Department has managed all administrative tasks related to SKIMS.

Prior to this, the Chief Minister's Office handled all administrative matters concerning SKIMS.

The institute was established by NC founder and Chief Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who aimed to create a leading tertiary healthcare institute for Kashmir to serve local patients, minimizing their need to seek such facilities outside of J&K.