CM clears air on new post at Jayadeva Institute

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday clarified that his government has not issued any order curtailing the powers of Dr C N Manjunath, the Director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research.

A mischievous and unauthorised ‘order’ issued by former chief administrative officer (CAO) of the Institute Dr S M Eshwar  recently had led to confusion that the government was curtailing Dr Manjunath’s powers. Dr Manjunath, a noted cardiologist, is the son-in law of JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda.

Dr Eshwar, who was recently relieved from his service for alleged dereliction of duty, issued an ‘order’ on August 30 creating a new post - joint director - and appointed Dr N M Prasad, teaching faculty of Cardiology department, to the post. All administrative powers and financial powers of the director were given to the joint director. He had stated that he was issuing the order on the direction of the chief minister.

In order to clear the confusion, Siddaramaiah, in a letter addressed to Dr Manjunath, said the order issued by Dr Eshwar has no sanctity and no new post has been created in the Institute. The director can send a proposal to the governing council of the Institute if there is a need for the post of a joint director, the chief minister stated. Dr Manjunath still has two and half years service.