Pargat questions Punjab govt’s claims on medical colleges, says not one built in 4 years

Chandigarh: Congress MLA Pargat Singh on Friday raised serious questions over Punjab govt's claims regarding the construction of seven new medical colleges. He held that in its first budget, the govt led by chief minister Bhagwant Mann announced 16 medical colleges would be constructed across Punjab to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and expand medical education.However, nearly four years later, the ground reality appeared to be starkly different, he said. "Not even a single one of these proposed medical colleges has been completed so far," he added. Pargat said it was more concerning that these claims were reiterated in the assembly through the governor's Address, which was meant to highlight the govt's achievements and policy direction. "If figures presented are inaccurate or exaggerated, they undermine the credibility of statements placed before the assembly and the people of Punjab," he added. "The people of Punjab deserve complete transparency and accountability regarding the status of these projects," Pargat Singh said. "Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and expanding medical education are critical priorities for the state. Delays or misleading claims only erode public trust."He asked Punjab govt to issue a clear and factual update on all 16 proposed medical colleges, including construction status, funds allocated and utilised, expected timelines for completion, and reasons for delays, if any.