Date:21/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/21/stories/2006092109920400.htm

Tamil Nadu

MPs to submit Jayalalithaa's letter to Kalam, Manmohan

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: A delegation of the Members of Parliament of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) will hand over to the President and the Prime Minister the letter written by the party general secretary Jayalalithaa on the issue of making Jawaharlal Institute of Post -Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, an autonomous organisation.

The delegation will be led by the parliamentary party leader P.G. Narayanan, according to a party release issued on Wednesday.

PMK's charge against Jayalalithaa

Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss on Wednesday accused the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Jayalalithaa of adopting double standards.

In a response to the AIADMK leader's statement on JIPMER issue, Dr. Ramadoss said Ms. Jayalalithaa, while in power, justified, on the grounds of "administrative convenience," the establishment of constituent colleges.

"When the JIPMER is sought to be converted into a body with greater powers for the same reason, she is opposing it," the PMK leader said.

Modernisation

The Centre's move would pave the way for the modernisation and further development of the JIPMER.

The institution, even after gaining more powers, would not go beyond the jurisdiction of the Central Government.

Condemns observation

"The Union Health Ministry, which is under the control of Anbumani Ramadoss as on date, may be under the control of his successor tomorrow," the PMK leader said, condemning the AIADMK leader's observation that in the guise of autonomy, the institution would become a family property.