Even as eight months have passed since AIIMS Director Dr MC Misra had constituted an enquiry committee against himself over the alleged irregularities in the purchase of medical equipment for the surgery department during 2008-2014, no headway has been made in the probe yet, according to sources. It would be interesting to note that during this period, Dr Misra was the Head of Department of the surgery.
“If there is an enquiry going on somebody, then how can that person constitute a committee against himself knowing that subordinates will be under awe to probe against the Director … It is a clear case of conflict of interest,” sources said.
When contacted, AIIMS spokesperson Dr Amit Gupta, who is a member of the enquiry committee, said, “The committee has already submitted its report to the competent authority and had six meetings over the issue.”
Dr Misra, who had assured to respond to The Pioneer, didn’t return the call.
The enquiry committee memorandum, a copy of which is with The Pioneer, had stated, “The Director AIIMS has been pleased to constitute a committee consisting — Dr. Minu Bajhpai, Dr. Amit Gupta, Janamma, KD Sharma — to enquire into the purchase of various medical items/ equipment etc. by the department of surgery AIIMS during the 2008-2014.”
It further stated, “The committee will also opine on the allegations of favouring the two firms — M/S Overseas Associates and M/S H.S. Enterprise — in purchase and any other irregularity.”
Sources said the department flouted procurement rules as procedures required for declaration of proprietary items were not followed under General Financial Rules, 2005.