JOIN USNow, SIMS also under scanner
After the institutions at Mysore, Hassan and Belgaum, the recruitment and promotion of teaching staff at Shimoga Institute of Medical Sciences have come under scanner.
Dalit Sangharsha Samiti had alleged irregularities in recruitments to SIMS following which Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pandey constituted an inquiry committee headed by district surgeon Dr Thippeshi. The committee, in its report submitted on September 14 has found nepotism and blatant violation of norms in appointments.
Dr Sharada was appointed as Professor in Pathology Department on October 8, 2007. However, documents available with Deccan Herald tell a different story. The Medical Council of India, during its verification found that Dr Sharada had tampered with documents and had directed the SIMS director to demote her. Furthermore, the Head of Pathology Department Dr Vasan and others had filed an objection on the eligibility of Dr Sharada in May 2009. The governing council is yet to take a decision and Dr Sharada continues to occupy the post on a monthly salary of Rs 80,000.
Anaesthetist Dr G L Ravindra had been practising at various private nursing homes in Shimoga district for the past 20 years. However, he furnished a certificate stating that he had served at Bellur Medical College in Mandya district for ten consecutive years to secure professor’s post at SIMS. He has also been drawing Rs 80,000 per month as salary.
Retired employees
Head of Pathology Department Dr Vasan and Dr Kadam, Dr Raghunath serving in other departments have retired from government service. However, they have been appointed to the medical college in violation of recruitment and service rules.
According to rules, the sum of pension and salary should not exceed the last drawn pay in case a retired employee is offered a fresh post. However, these three have been drawing a salary in excess of Rs 70,000 per month in addition to pension.
Dr Siddappa, who was appointed as Assistant Professor in Pharmacy in March 2009 had been offered the post of Professor in November same year. Surprisingly, he has been demoted in March 2010 on the ground that he lacks experience.
On the other hand, Dr Mahendrappa, who was Assistant Professor in the same department has been appointed as Medical Superintendent though he lacked eligibility required for the post.
Dr Tahshildar who is serving as Associate Professor of Orthopedics is drawing the salary on par with that of Assistant Professor. Most of the faculty including director Dr Shankaralinge Gowda are engaged in private practice in Bangalore. However, Dr Gowda said most of the appointments have been done long back and those made after 2008 were free and fair.
HC suggests contract basis for staff
The Karnataka High Court has suggested the State Government to continue the services of the terminated staff of Hassan and Mysore medical colleges on contract basis.
Justice Ram Mohan Reddy, while hearing a petition by Vedavathi and others questioned the government on the possibility of continuing the staff on contract basis till a final verdict is given. "Since they are skilled labourers and their service falls under essential category why can't you allow them to work as contract employees ?" the court questioned. Additional Advocate General K M Nataraj said that the government is concerned with the violation of the order and referred to the circular dated October 21, 2009, on putting recruitments on hold as an austerity measure in view of the natural calamity. Justice Reddy however sought to know the number of officials who went to America if appointments were banned as an austerity measure. The Court termed the order to relieve over 300 employees without giving opportunity to defend themselves as unfair and violation of the principles of natural justice. An interim order is expected to be passed on Wednesday.