Former Speaker’s son made Acting Dist Health Officer against norms
Wednesday, 22/08/2012
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120822/punjab.htm#2
Amritsar: The Department of Health and Family Welfare has appointed former Speaker Nirmal Singh Kahlon’s son, Dr Shivcharan Kahlon, as acting District Health Officer former, ignoring several seniors and throwing all norms to the wind.
Only a Senior Medical Officer is eligible for the post, said insiders. However, Dr Kahlon is a Medical Officer (MO).
In a sheer display of power, Dr Kahlon came to take charge of his office escorted by two pilot vehicles. A number of lower-rung officials and local leaders accompanied him to the office.
At least six armed gunmen were seen guarding his office, much to the harassment of the public and annoyance of those working at the Civil Surgeon’s office.
The Civil Surgeon, to whom Dr Kahlon would have to report, does not have any gunman.
When contacted, Dr Kahlon claimed that he was a Senior Medical Officer (SMO) and not a Medical Officer (MO).
“Moreover, I have only been given the charge, not the post. I will do my duty with responsibility and sincerity,” he said.
Dr Kahlon’s transfer orders dated August 14 clearly refer to him as “Medical Officer posted with the 9th Battalion, Police Civil Lines”.
Even the list of transfers on the department website mentions him as Medical Officer.
Former Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla said: “Kahlon saab (former Speaker) had asked me to promote his son to the post of DHO. He had particularly desired that his son be posted at Amritsar.”
She said she had turned down the request as Dr Kahlon was “too junior” for the post. “If he is not a Senior Medical Officer, then it is wrong to post him.
