The Radha Saomi Satsang Beas Charitable Hospital in Bhota in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh has announced its closure from December 1, triggering massive public outcry.
For three consecutive days, locals and supporters of Radha Saomi Satsang Beas, including women, have been staging protests and blocking roads, urging the government to find a resolution. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called a high-level meeting at his official resident Oak Over in Shimla on December 1 to discuss the matter.
Hospital management seeks transfer of land
The hospital management has sought to transfer the land on which the hospital is built to its sister organisation Maharaj Jagat Singh Medical Relief Society. According to the management, they face an annual Rs 2 crore GST liability, despite providing free medical services. They believe transferring the land would help alleviate financial pressures.
However, the Himachal Pradesh Land Ceiling Act, 1972, prevents such transfers under Section 118. The Act imposes stringent restrictions on land ownership and transfer in the state. The Sukhu government is now working on an ordinance to amend the law and allow a one-time exemption for the hospital.
Revenue Dept sends ordinance to Law Dept
The Revenue Department has drafted the ordinance and sent it to the Law Department for review. After cabinet approval, the ordinance will be sent to the government of India for the President’s assent due to constitutional protection of the Land Ceiling Act. Only after this can the ordinance be implemented.
Radha Saomi Satsang Beas owns over 6,000 bighas of land in Himachal Pradesh, exempted from the Land Ceiling Act in 2014 during Virbhadra Singh’s government. However, the exemption included a rider prohibiting the sale, lease, or transfer of land. The proposed ordinance seeks to override this rider, allowing a conditional transfer with provisions like market-value transfer fees.
Protests and political backlash
Public demonstrations have intensified, disrupting highways like NH-103. Protesters also staged blockades near the hospital, voicing concerns over losing a vital healthcare facility that has served the region since 1990.
BJP leaders have criticised the Congress-led government for its delay. Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, BJP MLA from Badsar, called for immediate action, warning of further unrest if the issue remains unresolved. Hamirpur Sadar MLA Ashish Sharma echoed these sentiments, suggesting that a simple written assurance of an amendment in the next session could prevent the hospital’s closure.
CM Sukhu says govt committed to resolving issue
Chief Minister Sukhu has assured that the government is committed to resolving the issue. The proposed ordinance aims to balance legal constraints with public welfare, ensuring the transfer is regulated while safeguarding state interests.
The government is exploring a conditional exemption allowing the hospital to transfer 30 acres of land in exchange for a transfer fee based on market value. However, implementation hinges on the President’s assent to the ordinance.
Implications of hospital closure
The hospital has been a critical healthcare provider in the region for over three decades. Its closure would significantly impact residents who rely on its free services, particularly in a district with limited medical infrastructure.
The December 1 meeting will be crucial in determining the future of the hospital. While the government aims to amend laws to address the issue, public protests and political pressure are intensifying, demanding a swift resolution.
