Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Mar 13: Government of Jammu and Kashmir, General Administration Department placed Dr Shafqat Khan, Nodal Officer for Corona Virus efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, Health and Medical Education Department under suspension.
On the directions of Lieutenant Governor, Jammu Kashmir Girish Chandr Murmu, government issued an order vide no: 364-JK (GAD) of 2020, dated 13/03/2020, that reads pending enquiry into his conduct, Dr Shafqat Khan, Nodal Officer for Corona Virus efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, Health and Medical Education Department, is hereby place under suspension with immediate effect. In terms of Rule 31 of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, reads an order.
Order said that, during the period of his suspension, the officer shall remain attached with the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kathua/ office of Chief Medical Officer, Kathua.
However sources said that, the government has also asked the Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department to issue a show cause notice besides initiate regular departmental action against Dr Shafqat Khan for dereliction of duty for which he was assigned for.
Dr Khan was last month appointed as nodal officer for Coronavirus Control Efforts after few suspected cases of Coronavirus emerged in Jammu and Kashmir, said sources.
Sources further said that last week, President of DAK Jammu, Dr Bupinder Singh was transferred for demanding adequate protective measures like masks and sanitizer for the medical staff working in hospitals amid COVID-19 scare.
Pertinently, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has already ordered the closure of educational institutions and cinemas in J&K till March 31 to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The government has also set up several facilities across the Union territory to deal with possible cases of COVID-19.
The government has also established isolation wards and mobilized trained medical staff and testing facilities have also been established at several hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir region, sources informed to early times. |
