PGIMER Dean Row: Approval Not Taken Before Giving Additional Charge to Dr Naresh Panda- Health Ministry informs CAT

Chandigarh: The Union Health Ministry recently informed the Chandigarh Bench of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) that the Director of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) assigned additional charge of Dean (academics) to Dr Naresh Panda, professor and head of the ENT department, PGIMER, without obtaining any approval from the president of the institute i.e. the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare. 

The appointment of Dean has been a long-standing issue for PGIMER. It is the senior-most faculty member who usually holds the post of Dean Academics. Following the retirement of Professor Rakesh Sehgal, former Dean (academic), Dr. Surjit Singh, Professor and Head of Paediatric Medicine Department was to take over the post with effect from April 1, 2023. However, on April 24, Dr. Panda was named the officiating Dean (academic), ignoring the claim of seniority of Dr. Singh.

On March 8, the Union Health Ministry notified the appointed of Dr. Surjit Singh, Professor and Head of Paediatric Medicine Department, as dean (academics) in the place of Dr. Panda. Following this, Dr. Panda approached CAT, challenging the Ministry order. He argued that he was the senior-most professor and Dr. Singh was lower in the seniority list.

Considering the plea by Dr. Panda, CAT passed an order on March 11 and restrained PGIMER from receiving the joining report of Dr. Singh as Dean (Academics). Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the CAT Chandigarh bench had earlier clarified that Dr. Naresh Panda would maintain his interim role as the Dean (Academics) until May 7. Meanwhile, on March 19, Dr. Singh also moved CAT seeking a vacation of stay of March 11 order. 

Also Read: PGIMER Dean appointment: Central Administrative Tribunal stays Health Ministry order of joining of Dr Surjit Singh

As per the latest media report by Hindustan Times, the Union Health Ministry recently filed its reply on a notice issued by CAT and informed that "it is pertinent to highlight that at the time the post fell vacant, Dr Surjit Singh was the senior-most professor."

The Daily adds that last year on July 27, after an examination by a high-powered panel headed by a retired PGIMER faculty, Prof D Behera had circulated an updated provisional senior list of senior professors. As per the updated list, Dr. Panda was on top and Dr. Surjit was in fourth place. On the other hand, PGIMER in 2022 had released a similar list, as per which, Dr. Surjit was the seniormost.

In its reply before CAT, the Ministry stated that the issue of seniority as decided by the committee headed by Prof Behera did not attain finality as Dr. Singh represented against the same in an appeal addressed to the President of PGIMER.

As per the Daily, the Ministry termed the initial charge of allocation of officiating dean as 'irregular'. The Health Ministry further noted that Dr. Panda did not make representation in the matter regarding the appointment of the Dean through the proper channels. It added that Dr. Panda did not approach the Director and President of the Institute with his grievance and filed the application in the CAT.

The Ministry added in its reply that as per the PGIMER rules regarding 'appointment of dean', seniority is not the only criteria to be considered as factors like suitability and other issues also have to be taken in consideration.

Further, the Ministry added that the President of PGI Governing body is not bound by the recommendation of the PGIMER Director. It further mentioned that the claims of Prof Panda having the seniority are misleading and incorrect.

HT has reported that in May 2023, Dr. Surjit had written to the Union Health Minister, accusing the PGIMER Director Dr. Vivek Lal of making "mala fide attempts" to keep him away from the Dean (Academics) post. However, Dr. Lal had denied these allegations.

CAT has listed the matter for further consideration on July 3, 2024. Until then, Dr. Panda would hold the post. Meanwhile, Dr. Sehgal had also contested PGIMER's decision to have him retire at age 65. He had petitioned the Central Administrative Tribunal, asking that the respondents—PGIMER and the Ministry of Health—be instructed to allow him to continue working until he was 70 but his appeal was rejected.

Also Read: PGI Dean Academic Appointment: CAT grants interim relief to Dr Naresh Panda