Date:29/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/29/stories/2007112962341400.htm

Front Page

Rajya Sabha passes AIIMS Bill

Sujay Mehdudia

NEW DELHI: Parliament on Wednesday passed the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Bill 2007 with the Rajya Sabha giving its nod. But this came after “vociferous protests and opposition” by the NDA and AIADMK members that caused two adjournments.

The Lok Sabha passed the Bill last week.

The NDA and AIADMK members stalled the proceedings after Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan asked Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss to move the Bill. They protested that its passage was not listed on the original business agenda and it should be taken up for consideration on Thursday.

At this, Mr. Rahman said the House Chairman had revised the list of business to include the passage of the Bill and that no wrong was done or any rules violated.

However, the NDA and AIADMK members accused the government of “bulldozing” legislation. Mr. Rahman remained unmoved. Stating that the government had done no wrong, he asked Congress chief whip V. Narayanaswamy to speak on the Bill. This drew further protests and slogan-shouting from the Opposition Benches, forcing Mr. Rahman to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.

As soon as the House reassembled, the Opposition members were again on their feet. Mr. Rahman again adjourned the House.

When the House re-assembled at 3.12 p.m., Mr. Rahman asked Amar Singh (SP), Brinda Karat (CPI-M) and D. Raja (CPI) to speak.

However, their speeches could not be heard owing to the din caused by the Opposition members. At this, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi intervened and said the Opposition cannot throttle the working of the government in this manner.

Mr. Rahman then asked Dr. Ramadoss to move the Bill and it was passed amid protests by voice vote afterfollowing which the Chair adjourned the House.

PTI reports:

The passage of the Bill evoked instant reaction from medicos of the AIIMS, who decided to disrupt OPD services from Thursday.

The OPD services will remain suspended until the Bill is signed by President Pratibha Patil. Thereafter, the doctors will adopt a severe mode of protest, Kumar Harsh, president, Resident Doctors Association, said.