After allegations of irregularities in the recruitment of 28 pharmacists by the Health Department in Keonjhar district, Collector N Thirumalla Nayak has ordered an immediate inquiry into the matter.
According to sources, the CDMO office had advertised for filling up of 28 pharmacist posts on July 18 and interested applicants were asked to submit their applications within 10 days. Finally, 391 applications were received.
As per the conditions laid down in the advertisement, candidates from other districts were to be considered if any posts remained vacant after taking up the cases of the candidates from within Keonjhar district.
After scrutiny, 82 candidates were shortlisted in which Kalpana Sahoo, a resident of Jajpur district, was enlisted.
In the shortlist notified on July 30, Sahoo’s working experience was recorded as three years. But when the list was again displayed on the notice board on August 20, her work experience was increased to four years.
Subhapriya Mahanta, an applicant whose employment registration certificate was invalid since a year back, was among the shortlisted candidates instead of disqualification of the application.
Again, some candidates, who submitted Pharmacy Degree certificates from colleges not recognised by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have also been considered.
After the inquiry report is received, action would be taken against the culprits, the district Collector has assured the complainants.