The Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti has renewed its demand for the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raichur, urging the Centre to prioritise the backward region’s long-pending healthcare needs.

A delegation, led by the organisation’s founder-president Lakshman Dasti, submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Ikram Shariff.

The organisation contended that Raichur, one of the most backward districts in the Kalyana Karnataka region, despite enjoying special Constitutional status under Article 371(J), remains in need of a premier healthcare institution.

It argued that the district’s development challenges and healthcare requirements make it a strong contender for an AIIMS.

Samiti members recalled that activists and several organisations from the region have been campaigning for the project for several years. They noted that a sustained agitation, including an indefinite satyagraha, has been under way in support of the demand.

The memorandum also referred to earlier representations made by elected representatives to the Union government. Delegations from the region, including Ministers, MPs and MLAs, have on various occasions sought Central approval for the project.

The State government too has reportedly backed the proposal and urged the Centre to consider Raichur for establishing the premier institution.

Expressing disappointment over the delay, the samiti said that Kalyana Karnataka continues to lag in infrastructure and institutional investments despite its special status.

Mr. Dasti called upon the Union government to ensure balanced regional development by sanctioning the AIIMS project for Raichur.