BFUHS suspends 200 employees over alleged appointment irregularities

Faridkot: Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) has suspended more than 200 newly recruited employees and repatriated around 25 doctors who were promoted in the general pool to their original departments at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, amid controversy over appointments made during the tenure of the former Vice-Chancellor.

The university’s Board of Management (BoM), which met on August 11, raised objections to the appointments, alleging that several of them were made in violation of university rules and regulations. The board has ordered a case-by-case review by a committee to “ensure equity and justice”.

Also Read:Punjab Appoints Manjit Singh Brar as Officiating Vice-Chancellor of BFUHS

According to the news reports, the allegations include appointments made without sanctioned posts or budgetary approval. Questions have also been raised over the creation of Group A positions, including research officers and assistant professors, in departments that allegedly do not exist under the university.

Many of the suspended employees have reportedly not received a single salary since their appointment, while the salaries of some earlier recruits have also been stopped.

Defending the appointments, the former Vice-Chancellor called the BoM’s action “highly ridiculous”, noting the board did not meet for one-and-a-half years during his tenure but convened a meeting soon after his term ended in June. He said the posts had BoM’s approval, with appointment letters signed by two members, including Faridkot MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon. He warned the decision would harm the university and its medical college, alleging several departments were being closed after his exit. He added he no longer had authority to intervene, reports The Tribune.

BFUHS BoM chairman Dr Gurpreet Singh Wander said the university was examining the appointments but declined to disclose further details while the process was underway.

Registrar Girish Sahni confirmed that all affected candidates would be given an opportunity to present their cases before the review committee. The hearings are scheduled for August 20.

The controversy has also raised questions over the timing of some appointments, with reports suggesting that certain appointment letters were issued after the former vice-chancellor’s tenure had ended.

Also Read:454 Punjab Pharmacy Officer Appointments Put on Hold Amid Cheating Racket Probe