Ganguly to be PGI acting Director
By Poonam Batth
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, Nov 29 — The Union Health Ministry has appointed Prof N.K. Ganguly, Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as acting Director of the PGI, Chandigarh, it is reliably learnt. He will take over his assignment tomorrow when the term of the present incumbent, Dr B.K. Sharma expires.

A well-known microbiologist, Prof Ganguly is currently on deputation with the ICMR , New Delhi from the PGI. He started his career as a microbiologist in the PGI and rose to become the Head of the Department of Experimental Medicine.

According to highly placed sources, Prof Ganguly has made immense contribution to research in the field of microbiology, immunology, parasitology for which he has bagged various national and international awards, including the Endowment Award of the Indian Society of Medical Microbiology. It was in view of his research advancements at all levels that he was selected to the post of Director-General, ICMR two years ago. He is also President of the Indian College of Allergy and Applied Immunology.

Sources reveal that Dr Ganguly is third on the seniority list among the PGI doctors after Prof R.J. Dash, Head, Department of Endocrinology, and Prof R.N. Kataria, Head, Department of General Surgery. But Dr Ganguly is not a candidate for the post of PGI Director. Perhaps, he is needed more in the ICMR. However, he will continue in this post till a new Director is appointed.

Interestingly, only three days back the Health Ministry had indicated that Prof R.J. Dash, the senior most faculty member at the PGI, was likely to officiate as Director till Dr Sharma's successor is appointed. Even the rules and regulations contained in the PGI Act stipulate that "In the event of the Director retiring, till such time a new Director is appointed the President may appoint the senior most professor to look after the functions of the Director for a period not exceeding six months." It further states that the institute may appoint, for reasons to be recorded in writing, any other person as a Director for a period not exceeding six months. Sources refused to divulge the reasons for this sudden change as Prof Dash had been a strong contender for the post and Union Health Minister, N.T. Shanmugham had specified that the seniormost faculty member would be asked to officiate as the Director.

Rail mishap averted near Rajpura
From Our Correspondent

AMBALA, Nov 29 — A major train accident was averted near Rajpura on the Ambala-Ludhiana rail section in Ambala division this morning.

According to railway sources, the axle box of a three-tier sleeping coach of Himgiri Express which was on the way to Ambala caught fire this morning about 4.15 a.m. While it was crossing the Saraibanjara railway station.

Sources said the ASM on duty at the Saraibanjara station noticed the flame on the coach. He immediately informed the ASM of the Rajpura station. The train was stopped at Rajpura and the coach was detached as the axle was damaged badly. The passengers of the coach were shifted to another coach. The train was delayed there for one and a half hour.

According to a railway officer, the train was running at a speed about 90 km at that time. It could have derailed if the fire was not noticed by the ASM in time.

Senior railway officers rushed at the spot. According to an officer, it is to be established how and why the axle caught fire.