The Hindu : New Delhi News : No ‘gag order’, clarifies AIIMS

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Sunday, Jan 06, 2008
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New Delhi

No ‘gag order’, clarifies AIIMS

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The All-India Institute of Medical Sciences here clarified on Saturday that contrary to recent media reports, there was no “gag order” on the staff, faculty, residents and personnel of the Institute.

Newly-appointed AIIMS spokesperson Y. K. Gupta told media persons that the circular that had been quoted in the newspapers and other media only reiterated something which already existed. Government employees are not supposed to express their opinion on policy matters and whatever has to 6ynbe said should come through the official channel, said the spokesperson.

It was further clarified that there was no restriction on any staff, faculty or researcher to bring before the media issues of academic, medical and research-based accomplishments through seminars, conferences, workshops and other such means. The spokesperson said the Institute would actively promote such activities through the media.

‘Abide by rules’

About various associations and the unions, the spokesperson said the AIIMS authorities would not interfere with what the associations have to say, but those coming under the purview of the Government would have to abide by the rules.

The spokesperson further said that the official circular issued in this connection was just a reiteration of the existing government rules and “not a gag order” as it was made out to be. Those speaking “out of turn” would be punished as per the rules laid out. This would include issuing of advisory, warning and memo.

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