Question : MEDICAL COLLEGE PROJECTS UNDER ESIC

(a)whether the Government has decided to stop the existing Medical Colleges and open new Medical Colleges under the Employees` State Insurance Corporation (ESIC);

(b)if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c)the details of colleges proposed to be discontinued under the scheme and the present status of construction of the same along with the status of the existing ESIC Medical Colleges;

(d)whether the Government has asked the State Governments including Kerala to run the Medical Colleges and if so, the details thereof; and

(e)the alternative arrangements made for the benefits provided to the workers and their families in the present ESI hospital system?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) to (c): No, Madam. However, the Employees` State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is exploring the possibilities to hand over the Medical College Projects to respective State Governments. Details of existing medical college under ESIC is as under:

1. Rajajinagar, Bangalore (Karnataka)

2. KK Nagar, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

3. Joka, Kolkata (West Bengal)

4. Gulbarga (Karnataka)

(d): Yes, Madam. The ESI Corporation has written to the State Governments concerned, including Kerala, seeking “in-principle” consent for taking over of ongoing ESIC medical colleges and related medical education institutions located in their States.

(e): Does not arise as final decision to hand over the Medical College Project has not been taken.