Jamshedpur MLA Saryu Roy moves breach of privilege motion against Jharkhand Health Minister Banna Gupta in assembly

Issue pertains to East Singhbhum civil surgeon contesting Bihar assembly polls without resignation

Ranchi, Dec 21: Jamshedpur East MLA Saryu Roy informed that in reply to his question in the state assembly about illegal charging of money from masses at the Children’s Park in Sidhgora the government has directed the East Singhbhum deputy commissioner to take action in this connection and uproot the illegally installed properties at the park within a week.

The Jamshedpur East MLA also said that in the assembly the speaker reprimanded the health minister Banna Gupta for giving two separate answers to the same question and said that government’s answer should be clear.

The MLA had said in the assembly that the health minister had admitted that Meditrina Hospital, Adityapur and Brahmananda Narayana, Tamolia was not empaneled under the Chief Minister’s Critical Illness Treatment Scheme between February 2020 and July 2020 while in the first reply they said that it is listed which is contradictory

Saryu Rai said that the ministers are solely responsible for the answers coming in the assembly. They confirm the answer coming in the Legislative Assembly only after checking the information given by the departmental officer.

The MLA then moved a motion of breach of privilege in the Vidhan Sabha today against the health minister Banna Gupta, which is currently under consideration of the Speaker.

Rai told the reporters that the Health Minister was violating the rules, laws and provisions of the Constitution to defend the convicted officer.

“If the Health Minister, Banna Gupta not sack the guilty officer, then the natural voice will be raised that such person should be dismissed by the Chief Minister from his council of ministers. The person who violates the rules and regulations to save the guilty does not deserve to be in the Council of Ministers,” said Rai.

Rai has also given a copy of his breach of privilege motion to the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and a copy to the Chief Whip of the largest opposition party in the Legislative Assembly.

The letter states that under Rule-186 of Jharkhand Legislative Assembly’s procedure and conduct of business, against the Minister of Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department, Government of Jharkhand, for deliberately misleading the assembly, contempt of the assembly, for violating my privilege as a member of the assembly.

The letter is regarding East Singhbhum civil surgeon Dr A. K Lal.  The letter states that in departmental proceedings, after reviewing the inquiry report received from the Operation-cum-Departmental Inquiry Officer, action on the punishment of termination of service of Dr. Lal is under process. However, Dr A. K lal has been given additional charge of Civil Surgeon, East Singhbhum, Jamshedpur.

The letter states that “the power to dismiss the officer of the rank of a convicted officer is vested in the Council of Ministers”. Therefore, a proposal should be sent by the Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department for the consideration of the Council of Ministers for their dismissal.” But instead of sending the proposal of dismissal for the consideration of the Council of Ministers, the department has given an explanation to the convicted officer.

The issue is related to Dr A K Lal contesting the 2005 Bihar Legislative Assembly election from 80-Jhanjharpur assembly without giving his resignation. He has hidden in his affidavit that he is a ‘government servant’. This is against the conduct of a public servant and is punishable.