Looking for favours from health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad? Don’t even think about it. The minister says he doesn’t entertain middlemen, brokers and hates people using his name to get work done in his ministry.
In a letter sent to all the deans and directors of medical colleges and connected offices — a copy of which has also been posted on the health ministry website — Azad has made it clear that people seeking personal favours or using his name to get work done, particularly with regard to sanctioning of seats or recognition to medical colleges, can land in trouble.
“If any college authority entertains such middlemen or brokers, it will be viewed seriously and I would not hesitate to take stern action. This includes de-recognition of the college as well as debarring it from admitting new students for a year or two,” Azad said in his letter.
Azad has also put in place grievance boxes — one in his office and the other at home — where people can drop their complaints. Officials claimed that Azad personally looks into these complaints. Sources in the health ministry said Azad’s reaction was prompted by several complaints of people misusing his name to get work done.
“It has come to my notice that some persons, who are proclaiming themselves to be close to me are approaching various medical and dental colleges, promising them approval/recognition for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses for the year 2010-11. I would like to inform you that I have not authorised any individual or organisation to approach any medical/dental college on my behalf or on behalf of my office for such permissions,” Azad said in the letter.
The minister has sought information on such dubious people. He has posted his personal email address and residence telephone numbers to help the general public pass on information about these middlemen. Promising prompt action, the minister has assured that the informer’s name will be kept confidential.
Soon after taking over as health minister last year, Azad launched a campaign against middlemen and corrupt officials involved in granting permission to set up medical colleges. Azad had issued a warning to his officers, Medical Council of India and the medical institutes, saying anybody found giving or taking bribes to push files would be punished.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}