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This article delves into the aftermath of a Health Department probe concerning TV Prashanthan, an electrician employed by Pariyaram Government Medical College. Prashanthan, who had previously accused the late Additional District Magistrate Naveen Babu of soliciting a bribe, has been found guilty of service rule violations related to his involvement in the fuel outlet business. The probe, conducted by Additional Chief Secretary Rajan Khobragade, unearthed that Prashanthan had failed to obtain permission from the medical college authorities before seeking a NoC for his fuel outlet venture, a violation of the service rules applicable to him as a government employee seeking regularisation.
The department, based on the report's findings, is likely to dismiss Prashanthan from service after securing legal opinion. This decision follows earlier statements from Health Minister Veena George, who had initially indicated Prashanthan’s termination before a probe was undertaken by a senior officer at Pariyaram. The minister's decision was prompted by dissatisfaction with the initial report submitted by the college principal to the Director of Medical Education.
The article highlights the context of Prashanthan's employment, revealing that he was initially recruited by the cooperative society that owned the hospital, which was subsequently taken over by the government. His absence from duties at the Medical College became conspicuous after Naveen Babu's suicide, an event that garnered considerable controversy. Prashanthan's allegation that Naveen Babu demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh for issuing the fuel station NoC and that he had paid Rs 98,500 at Babu's residence further complicates the situation.
The investigation's conclusion about Prashanthan's service rule violations, coupled with the potential dismissal, suggests that the Health Department intends to take a firm stance against any employee engaging in activities deemed detrimental to their official duties. The implications of this case extend beyond the specific individual involved, prompting discussions about accountability and the potential for conflict of interest among government employees.
Source: Health dept probe finds electrician linked to former Kannur ADM,s death guilty of service violation