Synopsis
On March 26, JDU MLA Saryu Rai filed a privilege motion against Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari in the Assembly, citing misleading responses to queries about the Pharmacy Council's appointments. The opposition parties supported Rai, calling for accountability as the Speaker promised to investigate the claims.Key Takeaways
- JDU MLA Saryu Rai moves privilege motion.
- Health Minister Irfan Ansari accused of misleading the Assembly.
- Concerns over appointments in the Jharkhand Pharmacy Council.
- Opposition parties united in support of the motion.
- Speaker to investigate the allegations.
Ranchi, March 26 (NationPress) JDU MLA from Jamshedpur West, Saryu Rai, on Wednesday, initiated a privilege motion against Jharkhand Health Minister Irfan Ansari and officials from the Health Department within the Assembly.
After obtaining consent from Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato, Rai delivered his statement during the session.
The JDU representative contended that offering incorrect or deceptive responses to inquiries posed by Assembly members constitutes contempt of the Assembly and infringes upon the rights of members to receive truthful information.
This issue relates to a short-notice question posed by Rai on March 21, concerning alleged discrepancies in the appointment of the Registrar-cum-Secretary of the Jharkhand State Pharmacy Council.
He claimed that, despite possessing accurate information, the Health Minister misled the Assembly when addressing Clause 2 of his inquiry.
Rai pointed out that a pharmacist is permitted to register for only one shop; however, the State Government has appointed an individual as Registrar-cum-Secretary who is registered at multiple locations.
Referring to an investigative report submitted by the Assistant Director (Medicine) of the South Chotanagpur Division to the Director (Medicine) of the State Drug Control Laboratory, Rai asserted that official records validated the multiple registrations of the appointed individual. Nonetheless, the Health Department omitted these facts in its Assembly response.
“The officials within the Health Department have misled the Health Minister, which has resulted in a false and misleading answer presented to the Assembly. This constitutes a breach of privilege and an effort to conceal the truth,” Rai claimed.
The opposition, including MLAs from the BJP, JDU, LJP, and AJSU, rallied in support of Rai’s motion and demanded accountability for those implicated.
In reply, Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahato assured the House of his intention to review the privilege motion, stating that if the allegations are substantiated, suitable action will be taken in accordance with the rules.
The Jharkhand budget session is scheduled to conclude on Thursday, March 27.
