Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) is all set to send a proposal to the central government to increase the college’s MBBS seats from 180 to 250, post graduate seats from 176 to 275 and super specialty seats from 11 to 100. In this regard, the RIMS administration is preparing a detailed proposal for the seats enhancement. Ajoy Kumar Singh, additional chief secreatry, state health departmnent, said, “The proposal to increase the seats will be submitted under a centrally sponsored scheme of the government that provides financial assistance to medical colleges for seats enhancement.”

According to the health department, the center is offering financial assistance of up to approximately Rs 1.5 crore per additional seat under the scheme. The total project cost will be shared between the center and the state government in a 60:40 ratio. The center will contribute 60 percent and the state government will bear the remaining 40 percent.

Singh also informed, “RIMS administration has been asked to assess existing hostel facilities, evaluate future accommodation requirements and prepare proposals for the construction of new hostels as well as the upgradation and maintenance of current facilities. The proposal may also include renovation of existing buildings, demolition of dilapidated and unusable structures, construction of new facilities and development of additional infrastructure required for the expansion. These proposals will be placed before the RIMS governing council for approval.” Officials said similar proposals submitted by the department for Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur, and the Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital, Dhanbad, have already received approval from the central government. At MGM, undergraduate seats are being increased from 150 to 250 and postgraduate seats from 49 to 200. Additionally, at SNMMCH, Dhanbad, undergraduate seats are being expanded from 100 to 250 and postgraduate seats from 19 to 200.