SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered initiation of Regular Departmental Action (RDA) against Dr Azmat Gowher Khan, Chief Medical Officer, Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla, over allegations concerning his directorship in a private healthcare company.
According to a Government Order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, Abdul Gani Raina, I/C Chief Medical Officer, Baramulla, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer to examine the charges against Dr Khan. Khursheed Ahmad Damnoo, Accountant, GMC Baramulla, has been designated as the Presenting Officer.
The inquiry will examine whether Dr Khan’s directorship in M/s Clinnova Healthcare Pvt Ltd between May 23, 2020 and June 12, 2020 amounted to a violation of Rule 10 of the J&K Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1971.
The Inquiry Officer has been directed to conduct the proceedings in accordance with Rule 33 of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, while providing Dr Khan a full opportunity to present his defence and cross-examine witnesses.
The inquiry will also consider Dr Khan’s contention that his association with the company was inadvertent and arose from a matrimonial dispute, with no mala fide intention. The officer has been asked to verify the authenticity of documents submitted in support of this defence and examine the Draft Articles of Charge, Statement of Imputations, Gist of Evidence and verification reports submitted by the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Drug Control Officer.
The Inquiry Officer must record oral and documentary evidence and allow the charged officer to inspect relevant documents, cross-examine witnesses and present his defence. The proceedings are also required to comply with Rule 34 of the J&K CCA Rules, 1956, and the principles of natural justice.
A reasoned inquiry report is to be submitted within 30 days of the appointment, clearly stating whether each charge is proved, not proved or partly proved, along with recommendations for departmental action.
The inquiry has also been tasked with determining whether the alleged lapse amounted to deliberate misconduct or a technical procedural violation without mala fide intent, and with recommending appropriate action under Rule 30 of the J&K CCA Rules, 1956.
