Action against two assistant professors at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences

Hassan: Two assistant professors of Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS) are facing the Directorate of Medical Education's flak based on the complaints registered against them. One of the complainants in the case is the Minister for Animal Husbandry A. Manju. The Department of Medical Education has urged the HIMS, Director to take action against the erring professors, after consulting the Governing Council of the college.

In a letter dated 15^th December,MB Dhotre, Undersecretary, DME alerted the HIMS, Director that in the case of BS Srinivas on account of a complaint alleging ineligibility, the assistant professor in all likelihood will face termination from the post. GN Bharat Kumar, the second on the complaint list, the DME informed could face withholding of promotion, as he is accused of being involved in a criminal litigation. Both the professors are employed in the Paediatrics Department, HIMS.

Speaking to the Press on Monday, BC Ravi Kumar, Director, HIMS revealed that Dr. Srinivas who was in possession of a Diplomate of National Board (DNB) from a non-teaching hospital had not completed the mandatory three-year service as a senior resident. "There were questions over his recruitment to the post. Based on the complaint, I wrote to DME," he said. The Director also confirmed the fact that Mr. Manju was one among those, who filed complaints in this regard.

Speaking about Dr. Bharat Kumar, the second assistant professor, the Director informed that a criminal case had been filed against him prior to his joining HIMS.

"There is a case against him in connection with a question paper leak. We have been directed to withhold his promotion. These issues will be discussed at the next governing council meeting," said Dr. Ravi Kumar.

President of the Forum for Building Bribe-Free Karnataka,Ravi Krishna Reddy, said action was being urged against the two by Minister Manju. "The fact that the department has begun proceedings against these two staff members because of a letter from a Minister has raised suspicions about his intentions. There is buzz that the politician wants to appoint a relative to a post at HIMS and for that he has filed the complaint," he said.

Commenting on Ravi Krishna Reddy's allegation on Minister Manju, Dr. Ravi Kumar, he said, "I don't know what will happen in future. We follow the norms during recruitment...it is a transparent process."