M.B. Patil to convince Karnataka CM of need for government medical college in Vijayapura, drop idea of PPP model

“I will make every effort to convince the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of the need to start a government medical college in Vijayapura and drop the idea of a PPP model institution,” M. B. Patil, district in-charge minister, said in Vijayapura on December 22.

He told reporters that he was aware of the protests against the PPP model. “Some protesters are demanding a written assurance against the PPP model. That, however, is not possible in the government framework. But let me give a clear assurance to them that I will try my best to convey their feelings to the Karnataka CM to get a government-run medical college for Vijayapura,” he said.

He said, personally, he is in favour of a government medical college, and has already conveyed his views to the CM.

The Minister said that he will try to arrange one more meeting between the Karnataka CM and the protestors within a week. “I will also put pressure on the government to approve a government medical college in Vijayapura,” he said. “Shivanand Patil, another Minister of the district, has told me that he is also in favour of a government medical college,” he said.

He refused to respond to an allegation by MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal that vested interests were protesting against the PPP model, and the protestors were paid by some people to oppose the idea.

Members of Vijayapura government medical college agitation committee have been sitting near Ambedkar Circle on an indefinite dharna to oppose the proposed PPP model medical college for the district.

Mr Patil said that a ₹100 crore pilot project has been prepared to build check dams to collect water during the rainy season. He said that around 206 check dams will be built in Babaleshwar and Tikota taluks alone. “This will recharge groundwater,” he said. “Once successful, the project will be expanded.”

He urged sugarcane farmers to use drip irrigation to ensure optimum use of water. Farmers leaders Sri Shashikant Guruji and Chunappa Pujari and others were present.

The Minister witnessed a field demonstration in the farm of Sathalingaiah Salimath in Tikota. Some farmers organised a Tula Bhara programme for the Minister where he was weighed in horticulture produce grown by farmers who had benefitted from his irrigation projects.