Setting right AIIMS

Jammu and Kashmir saw a huge controversy over where a Central university should be set up, till it was decided to have one in each region. Now, there are protests over the location of AIIMS. The BJP wants it in Jammu, the Chief Minister in the Valley. The politics of regionalism may be the trigger, but the crux is the desire for quality education and healthcare. The IIT, IIM models have gained trust, the entrance is undisputed, the fee structure is not scary, while AIIMS in addition promises top medical facilities. The Centre wants to increase the footprint of the "all-India" brand with more seats and campuses, and uses it as a dole. The states don't want to miss the lucrative funding, but what do they really gain with such institutes? Isn't it an acknowledgement of their inability to nurture institutions?

The direct benefits of having an IIM or IIT are limited to giving the state an image boost, tertiary jobs and looking good for the ruling party. Does it improve a state's educational standards or atmosphere? The number of AIIMS-like institutions that have been announced is now 16, but how many remotely measure up to the Delhi model and ever will? How will the human resource add up? What have Central universities achieved which existing ones, if adequately funded, could not? Is quality the aim or quantity? The focus has been on construction, but buildings don't make institutions. Why sink crores into them? Why not upgrade existing institutions and give them a brand name, if it’s so important, once they fulfil the criteria? Why hide behind the name and miss the aim?

The pressure on Chandigarh's PGI exemplifies the need for top state-funded facilities across the region. Punjab is promoting this approach, but investing in structures makes little sense if healthcare spending is being cut. The days ahead could see lobbying for an AIIMS each for Jammu and Kashmir. If the state's health improves as a result, nothing like it. What will definitely make a difference is the government focusing on primary healthcare and education. That will take care of half the problem.