By IANS
New Delhi : Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss Monday directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to reinstate chief protocol officer B.K. Dash, who was removed from the post by institute authorities in February.
A letter dated June 4 signed by under secretary Arun Chowdhary said: "I am directed to refer the order of president, AIIMS dated 31.1.2007 appointing Sri B.K. Dash as consultant, protocol and public relation.
"To say that health and family welfare minister and president, AIIMS has directed that Sri Dash may be allowed to discharge his duties and responsibilities, and retain the residential accommodation he is occupying at present," the letter said.
On Jan 31, Ramadoss had reappointed Dash as the consultant, protocol and public relation officer after his term was superannuated.
However, AIIMS director P. Venugopal appointed another doctor, Raju Singh, to discharge the same work and Dash's was prevented from entering his chamber.
Ramadoss and Venugopal have been on loggerheads, especially since the central government decided to provide 27 percent reservations to other backward classes (OBCs) in institutes of higher learning last year. AIIMS was the epicentre of quota protest across the country.
"I was abused and almost thrown out of my own office. It was very peculiar on the part of the director and few doctors to insult me this way. I am happy now and expect favourable working conditions in the institute," Dash told IANS.