Editor,
Apropos the letter to the editor captioned NEIGRIHMS at the crossroads (Oct 21, 2020) by an individual, who has conveniently kept his identity withheld, the following clarification is offered.
Initially, it was felt that NEIGRIHMS need not respond to each and every “baseless accusations” that come its way, and to expect that the esteemed readers will read through the lines and decipher the real intentions of the “secret” writer. in respect of the misinformation and fabricated details shared by an individual to The Shillong Times. NEIGRIHMS accepts that everyone is entitled to their personal opinions and would itself encourage “whistleblowers” to approach the concerned authorities.
However, since the individual has charged various officials of NEIGRIHMS with wrongdoing – and the newspaper did not feel it necessary to make even a preliminary attempt to clarify with NEIGRIHMS regarding their response to specific charges by a “shadow” accuser, the clarification is deemed necessary.
It must be noted that an Institute exists to serve the people for whom it has been set up and optimize efficiency – even if involves stepping on someone’s toes. If the writer agrees that the previous Director was removed for poor governance, then, the same person must also agree that certain correctives were necessary in order to meet the challenges of COVID19. In a Government set up with “permanent” tenures – bringing about changes will definitely impact upon “non-performers.” It is the Director who is entrusted with the job of delivering the services who will have to take responsibility. He will have to ensure that people working in the Institute step-up to meet the needs of the people of the region as well as the Health Care Workers in the Institute under his care – while ensuring continual consultations with various personnel with their specific responsibilities (and on occasion, areas of expertise). If he did not act decisively in these times of COVID19 – he would be roundly criticized for abdication of responsibility for the period the Institute is under his care – given that, he has to steer the Institute for not a few days/ weeks – but for nearly six months. The mysterious letter writer has rightly quoted the Director who has repeatedly stated that he is a “spare tyre” – but entrusted to ensure that the vehicle continues on its treacherous journey with safety – no excuses offered. It might be noted that he is the seniormost faculty in NEIGRIHMS with vast administrative experience covering nearly all of the responsibilities he has been entrusted with.
The Deputy Director (Administration), NEIGRIHMS is appointed by the MOH&FW on tenure basis, as per Approved Recruitment Rules and rules in force, through a duly approved Standing Selection Process, of the Ministry of Health & Family welfare, Government of India (MOH&FW – GOI). It must be appreciated that any extension of tenure will be subject to assessment of performance, capability and eligibility of the Officer. His tenure has been extended as per DOPT rules till 15th December’2021– any further clarification, may be raised with the MOH&FW, GOI.
With regard to purchases and procurements in NEIGRIHMS, we are proud to inform that we have one of the most transparent modalities existent in India – with our procurement being on “digital platform” (to the extent of availability) conforming to the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure mandate to procure all goods and services available online on (Government e-Marketplace) through GeM only (www.gem.gov.in)and there is no occasion to process bidders by identification or choice or any other requirement other than the mandated requirements notified by Ministry of Finance / Commerce , GOI. This has led to drastically lowered procurement prices e.g. with regard to COVID19 Testing Kits – which allow us to charge extremely low rates for RTPCR (Rs 600/-), CBNAAT (Rs 2400/-) – one of the lowest in the country.
The misinformation about the “brother of the purchase professional ” is false and fabricated and with (in all probability), an ulterior motive only to malign the image of the officer. As per records of the Institute the name of brother of the purchase professional, has been declared to be a qualified hardware engineer, working as service engineer in multinational private firms.
The institute follows strictly the CCS (Conduct) Rules wherein “cousin brother” is “not a family member” of the Stores & procurement Officer as per rule 2 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which in the definition of “Members of Family”, has clarified that in the context of rule 4(1) and 4(3) “Members of family” in relation to a “Government servant include the wife or husband, son or daughter, parents, brothers or sisters or any person related to any of them by blood or marriage, whether they are dependent on the Government servant or not”.
It may be pointed out the “Liaison Officer” appointed during May 2017 was by the then Director, NEIGRIHMS, Shillong and not by the Deputy Director (Administration). Hence the allegation is factually incorrect. It is also a clear falsehood to have stated that the purchase official “has been signing cheques for payment to suppliers and contractors”. As per records available with the Institute the indicated purchase official has never signed any such cheques in the last five years.
It is clarified that the “Deputy Director (Administration)” of the Institute being the Drawing and Disbursement Officer, is duly authorized by competent authority in Ministry of Health & Family welfare, Government of India, New Delhi. Further the Institute’s expenditure of accounts are audited by C&AG for both Transaction and Financial transactions from time to time.
With regards to the removal of a Senior Doctor from the post of Medical Superintendent, – it is clarified that appointment of the Medical Superintendent is the prerogative of the Director. In this case the previous Medical Superintendent, has completed his initial term of 3 years and was on extension. Efficiency and not “seniority” alone is the criterion for a hospital administrative post. It may be noted that the Director has had to hit the deck running and it was imperative to take “tough” decisions to meet up with the demands of COVID19, decisions which have helped NEIGRIHMS navigate troubled waters at this point of time.
The shadow letter-writer would be advised to re-read the complete comments regarding Plasma Therapy for proper knowledge on the matter. Institute follows a process of decision-making and consultation with other qualified persons for most issues before arriving at a decision.
No super specialist doctor has left NEIGRIHMS during the current Director’s tenure. However, it is up to the public to comment upon requests by some of them to return to NEIGRIHMS! It is critical to nurture excellence, especially with AIIMS, Guwahati expected to be fully operational in 2 years – for this Institute to strive ahead and compete with the other central Institutions of the Nation. The opinions of “secret” letter writers flinging unsubstantiated charges do not help. The letter-writers must come clean with evidence, approach CBI/ CVO to help the institute and desist from low-level character assassination attempts for possibly ulterior motives.
Yours etc.,
Dr.V.Cornerstone Wann,
PRO NEIGRIHMS,
Via email