Removal of RIMS Director Ignites Political Turmoil in Jharkhand
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Synopsis
The unexpected dismissal of Dr Raj Kumar as Director of RIMS in Ranchi has created significant political unrest in Jharkhand, raising concerns regarding governance and the integrity of health institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Dr Raj Kumar's removal has sparked political controversy.
- Accusations of unsatisfactory performance were cited for his dismissal.
- Opposition leaders claim corruption pressures were involved.
- Dr Raj Kumar expressed surprise and protested the decision.
- The incident raises questions about RIMS's governance and autonomy.
Ranchi, April 18 (NationPress) The abrupt dismissal of Dr Raj Kumar from his position as Director of the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi has ignited a significant political uproar in Jharkhand.
Dr Kumar was relieved of his responsibilities late Thursday night following an order from the state Health Minister and RIMS Governing Council Chairman, Dr Irfan Ansari.
The directive cited "unsatisfactory performance" and alleged that Dr Raj Kumar had not adhered to public interest directives issued by the Council of Ministers, the RIMS Governing Council, and the Health Department.
In a strongly worded response, Dr Raj Kumar described the action as “autocratic” and expressed his surprise.
"If I am being accused of not working, then no one here is working. I was not provided the opportunity to resign — I would have willingly done so if asked during the recent Governing Council meeting," he stated.
The directive also indicated that Dr Raj Kumar would be relieved from his role immediately and would receive three months’ salary and allowances. The order notes that this decision has been sanctioned by Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
Dr Raj Kumar, a neurology professor from the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, was appointed as the RIMS Director for a three-year term starting from January 31, 2024.
The controversy intensified when the Leader of Opposition in the Jharkhand Assembly, Babulal Marandi, claimed that Dr Raj Kumar was dismissed for refusing to authorize payments amounting to several crores to private diagnostic centres under pressure from the Health Minister and officials.
In a social media post, Marandi stated: "It is unfortunate that Dr Raj Kumar was dismissed for resisting corruption by the Health Minister and departmental officials. He is being penalized for opposing pressure to endorse improper payments during the recent RIMS Governing Council meeting."
Marandi additionally accused the Health Minister and a senior official of pressuring Dr Raj Kumar to make payments to diagnostic centres despite the lack of any contractual agreement.
“Even the dignity of the Governing Council was compromised during the meeting. Dr Raj Kumar had then expressed a willingness to resign rather than succumb to the pressure,” Marandi asserted.
JD-U MLA and former Minister Saryu Rai also condemned the decision, labeling it as "unfortunate."
He claimed that the government was dissatisfied with the reforms implemented by Dr Raj Kumar at RIMS. “He was removed because he declined to endorse illegal payments during the governing body meeting and spoke the truth to power,” Rai remarked.
The 59th Governing Council meeting of RIMS, which took place on April 15, witnessed heated exchanges between Dr Raj Kumar and Minister Ansari, resulting in a deadlock on multiple agenda items.
This incident has triggered a backlash and raised concerns regarding the autonomy and operation of leading health institutions in Jharkhand.
