Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 06 : The Health and Medical Education Department has initiated regular departmental proceedings (RDA) against Dr Azmat Gowhar Khan, Chief Medical Officer, Government Medical College (GMC), Baramulla, over his alleged association as a director of a private healthcare company.
According to an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Abdul Gani Raina, In-charge Chief Medical Officer, Baramulla, has been appointed Inquiry Officer to conduct the proceedings. Khursheed Ahmad Damnoo, Accountant at GMC Baramulla, will serve as the Presenting Officer on behalf of the department.
At the centre of the proceedings is whether Dr Khan’s directorship in M/s Clinnova Healthcare Pvt Ltd between May 23 and June 12, 2020, constituted a violation of Rule 10 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971.
The inquiry will also examine Dr Khan’s claim that his association with the company was inadvertent, arose from a matrimonial dispute and involved no mala fide intent.
The inquiry officer has been directed to examine documents submitted in support of the officer’s defence, along with the Articles of Charge, Statement of Imputations, Gist of Evidence and verification reports submitted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Drug Control Officer.
The proceedings will include the recording of oral and documentary evidence. The charged officer will be given an opportunity to inspect documents, cross-examine witnesses and present his defence.
The inquiry will also determine whether the alleged lapse amounted to deliberate misconduct or merely a technical or procedural violation without mala fide intent. The inquiry officer has been asked to submit a reasoned report within 30 days—(KNO)
