Post resignations, other BJP Ministers await next word from party, Bali gets hyper active

On twin distt tour, Health Minister suspends 23 doctors, officials

JAMMU: In wake of uncertainty prevailing over the fate of BJP Ministers after party obtained their resignations, most of the incumbent were seen lobbying to save their jobs barring Health Minister Bali Bhagat who embarked on an unusual spree after doctors.

Close to heels of dropping Choudhary Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga from cabinet for their alleged indiscretion in Kathua rape and murder case, the BJP had obtained resignation of all its Ministers to pave way for an imminent reshuffle. While some ministers drew back to wait for next word from party, the Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, soon after getting charge of Forest Department, ordered unprecedentedly high level transfers and Bali Bhagat followed the suit by ordering attachment of more than two dozen doctors.

Bali ordered suspension of doctors while on an inspection spree in Rajouri and Jammu districts. He has hardly been seen on such a large scale inspection exercise before party obtained resignations of all ministers.

Political observers and legal experts said while technically they continue to be Ministers but morally the BJP ministers should have avoided taking unprecedented actions when their fate is uncertain following resignations.

Bali ordered suspension of 23 officials (including 04 doctors and 19 para-medics) in Chowki Chowra block of Jammu, and Sunderbani, block of Rajouri districts during his whirlwind and surprise visits to various health institutions.

During inspection of Emergency Hospital ChowkiChowra, the Minister found three doctors, including BMO and 17 para-medics absent from duty and ordered their immediate suspension. Similarly, while inspecting SDH, Sunderbani, one medical officer and two para-medics were found absent and ordered their suspension.

The Minister also inspected SDH, Nowshera, SDH, Kalakote and District Hospital, Rajouri and took stock of the medicare and other diagnostic facilities there. He also interacted with the patients, doctors and para-medics and enquired about the facilities.

At Sunderbani, while inspecting the on-going work of 100-bedded additional block of hospital, the Minister directed the executing agency to complete the project in a time bound manner and handover the possession of the building by May next. He called for strict adherence of norms and specifications by using quality material to ensure the longevity of assets.

While interacting with the ASHA workers at SDH, Nowshera, who are undergoing training under NHM programme, the Minister sanctioned one additional set of uniform, one pair of shoe and one umbrella annually in their favour for performing their duties more efficiently. They raised this demand before the Minister, which he acceded. These benefits will be applicable to all ASHAs working across the State.