CM Kejriwal questioning his own stand on hospital vacancies, says Anil Baijal
Baijal was referring to a letter by Kejriwal earlier this week.
NEW DELHI: Vacant posts in Delhi government hospitals have become a new flashpoint between lieutenant governor Anil Baijal and chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, with both blaming each other for the delay in filling up the vacant posts.
On Thursday, Mr Baijal told Mr Kejriwal that he was surprised that the chief minister has raised queries regarding filling up of vacant posts with retired personnel as Mr Kejriwal himself had chaired a meeting wherein the decision was taken.
Mr Baijal was referring to a letter by Mr Kejriwal earlier this week. The letter stated that 2,169 posts were lying vacant in the govt hospitals, as there were not enough retired personnel available.
Mr Kejriwal also said that the decision to fill up the posts only with retired personnel was taken with Mr Baijal’s approval and that the government was kept in the dark about the decision.
“I am surprised why hiring was limited to only retired people... I would be grateful if necessary directions are issued to all the officers concerned to stop hiding files from the government,” Mr Kejriwal wrote.
On Thursday, the LG wrote back to the chief minister, expressing surprise over his letter.
“The proposal for engagement of retired employees against existing vacancies was moved by the health and family welfare department in pursuance of Mr Kejriwal’s directions, in the meeting convened under his chairmanship on August 8, 2017. The minutes of that meeting were issued by the chief minister’s office (CMO).
Therefore, it is surprising that the Chief Minister has now raised questions regarding the filling up of vacant posts with retired personnel,” a statement from Mr Baijal’s office said.
The LG said appointment of retired people was an interim measure, while recruitment is the sustainable solution.
In a tweet, the CM urged the Lieutenant Governor to approve two schemes on doorstep delivery of services and quality healthcare for all, which have been submitted for Mr Baijal’s reconsideration.