Early Times Report
srinagar, Dec 9: Director SKIMS, Dr Showkat Zargar, who is already enjoying extension, is trying for yet another extension.
Sources said he has started lobbying in the corridors of power that he be granted another extension, three months before his tenure ends.
The Government was planning to start process for appointment of the new Director SKIMS. The Government top brass including Prof Amitabh Matto, who is advisor to Chief Minister, want the affairs of SKIMS be handed over into "able hands of some competent doctor of integrity," said sources.
Brother-in-law of a Cabinet Minister and a private doctor who allegedly have business partnership with Dr Zargar, are pushing his case in the corridors of power.
Last year, Dr Zargar was given extension by the then Omar Abdullah Government. Even though the Government had imposed a blanket ban on re-employment of Government officials, Dr Zargar was given the undue extension.
In April 2013, the State Cabinet had imposed a blanket ban on re-employment of retired officials in any department with then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself advocating for the same. But Omar who was also the head of the SKIMS governing body violated all norms to meet interests of Dr Zargar.
Apart from holding the position of Director at SKIMS, Dr Zargar is also holding charge of Principal SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, Medical Superintendent, Trust Hospital Soura among others.
The appointment of Dr Zargar as the Director of the SKIMS, some four years back was reportedly opposed by some senior doctors and faculty members who alleged that rules and norms were violated in the process of selection.
The Faculty alleged that Dr Showkat who was appointed as Director SKIMS on June 3,2011, had bad track record. As per notice No SO/SS/Index/11/71 dated 01/04/2011 CID Special Branch of Government of Jammu and Kashmir wrote to Joint Director SKIMS Soura to provide the full particulars including name, residence, parentage, design, DOB of Dr Showkat Zargar, HoD Gastro SKIMS.
As per reports Dr Showkat, an Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, had been expelled from the services, by the Governor vide Government order No: 2263 dated 24/12/1993. The decision against him was taken for his unauthorized absence (he had joined a job in Saudi Arabia) and also for indulging in private practice. A person who was expelled from services could not be selected for the coveted post of the Director of the SKIMS, aggrieved doctors asked.
Dr Zargar could not be contacted for his comment. |
