Shimla: A philanthropic ‘dream project’ of former chief minister Shanta Kumar, the Palampur based Vivekanand Medical Research Trust, has come under judicial scanner as the Himachal Pradesh High Court in response to a petition today issued notices to the state government and the trust about its functioning.
Petitioner Bhuvnesh Chand Sood, a resident of Palampur, has moved the court stating that initially proposed as a charitable multi-specialty hospital for the benefit of the area, towards which the pubic contributed generously, is now allegedly functioning as a commercial venture.
Alleging that money donated for the project had been mis-utilized, the petition states that a health resort ‘Kayakalp Palampur’ has been functioning on one part of the complex that has come up on the land.
Seeking a probe into the high value land leased by the government for the alleged venture at a nominal rate of Re 1 for 99 years, the petition says the project was initially proposed to be under government control.
Counsel Sanjeev Bhushan, who appeared for the petitioner, sought that the government be directed to take over the hospital that has come up on the land for public benefit.
The petition has also alleged that Shanta Kumar, as a founder trustee, was enjoying benefits through the trust.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.
