Srinagar, Oct 6 (KDC): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ordered initiation of regular departmental action against Dr. Azmat Gowher Khan, Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Government Medical College Baramulla, and appointed an Inquiry Officer to examine the charges against him.
According to a Government Order, issued by the Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department, a copy of which is in the possession of news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), sanction has been accorded to the appointment of Abdul Gani Raina, In-charge Chief Medical Officer, Baramulla, as Inquiry Officer.
The inquiry will examine, among other issues, whether Dr. Khan’s directorship in M/s ClinNova Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. from May 23, 2020, to June 12, 2020, constituted a violation of Rule 10 of the J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971.
The terms of reference also require the Inquiry Officer to examine the officer’s claim that his association with the company was inadvertent and arose due to a matrimonial dispute, besides verifying documents submitted by him in his defence.
The Inquiry Officer has also been directed to examine the draft articles of charge, statement of imputations, gist of evidence and verification reports of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Drug Control Officer, and to record oral and documentary evidence presented by both sides.
The order directs that Dr. Khan be given full opportunity to inspect documents, cross-examine witnesses and present his defence, in accordance with Rule 34 of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956 and principles of natural justice.
The Inquiry Officer has been asked to determine whether the alleged lapse amounted to deliberate misconduct or was a technical/procedural violation without mala fide intent, and submit a reasoned report stating whether the charges are proved, not proved or partly proved.
The inquiry report is to be submitted within 30 days of the appointment, along with recommendations for appropriate departmental action under Rule 30 of the J&K CCA Rules, 1956. (KDC)
