The Hindu : National : Clarification sought from AIIMS

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 28, 2006

National

National

Clarification sought from AIIMS

Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission has asked the authorities of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to explain their refusal to give information requested by Chief of Protocol and Public Relations (AIIMS) B.K. Dash related to his being divulged of his primary responsibilities and the alleged sealing of his office and personal belongings.

Mr. Dash has alleged that in October 2002, the AIIMS authorities, acting under the orders of then Director P.K. Dave, divested him of his primary responsibilities (while retaining his position of head of the Public Relations Department) without any reason, and sealed his office with his personal belongings, including his passport, property papers and financial instruments worth Rs. 30 lakh when he was on leave. He has alleged that the AIIMS is keeping his belongings in its custody without any sanction. Pointing out that the alleged actions of the AIIMS authorities were unconstitutional and arbitrary, Mr. Dash has asked for copies of file notings, decisions, orders, letters and any communication related to the reasons behind their actions.

Mr. Dash has filed an appeal before the Commission after the Public Information Officer (PIO) and the First Appellate Authority in AIIMS did not respond to his request for information. He has asked the Commission to treat his appeal as a complaint against the PIO. In his application, Mr. Dash said the Commission's decision in this case would affect the level of transparency and accountability in the working of hundreds of institutions across the country.

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