Saryu Roy had raised issue in Assembly, Council cancelled registration on ineligibility
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Aug 25: The Jharkhand Health, Medical Education and Family Welfare Department admitted in the Assembly on Monday that former Health Minister Banna Gupta had deliberately appointed an ineligible person to a key position in the Jharkhand State Pharmacy Council.
Responding to a short notice question raised by Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy, the department confirmed that Rahul Kumar, a non-government individual, was appointed as the in-charge Registrar-cum-Secretary of the Council, despite not meeting the required eligibility criteria. A departmental inquiry revealed that although a list of qualified government pharmacists was already available, Gupta overlooked it and appointed Rahul Kumar instead.
The department further admitted that the Council had since cancelled Rahul Kumar’s pharmacist and tribunal registrations after finding him ineligible. However, it avoided responding to Roy’s demand for punitive action against those responsible for the irregular appointment.
Roy pressed the government to clarify when it would take action against the officials and individuals who conspired in the wrongful appointment. The government, however, only acknowledged the irregularity but refrained from committing to any disciplinary measures.
The Assembly session witnessed an uproar over the matter, leading to an adjournment before any detailed discussion or debate could take place.
