1-yr extension to CMO by Senate

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 27

After a heated debate, the Panjab University (PU) Senate approved the extension of one year to Dr Devinder Dhawan with administrative powers of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) here on Sunday.

University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Arun Kumar Grover pleaded to honour the unanimous view of the Syndicate which had agreed for Dr Dhawan’s extension.

However, Senator Dr Rabinder Nath Sharma opposed the move. He cited the case of Dr Pragya Kumar when she was given extension only as the Medical Officer and not as the CMO. “How could you grant administrative powers to him (Dhawan) when you do not allow them to teachers above 60 years of age,” he said.

When Assistant Professor Praveen Goyal started leveling allegations against Dr Pragya Kumar, the VC intervened and stopped him. After which, Dr Sharma said even Dr Dhawan had entered the PU through the back door.

Senator Jarnail Singh said there were senior doctors in the regional centres of the PU who could be given the charge of the CMO. Prof Chaman Lal also objected to the extension. Dr Sharma said the doctor next in line had an experience of 20 years and shouldn’t be denied a chance.

Some senators called for giving two-year extension to Dhawan, but finally only one-year extension was approved.

Extension to DSW

Senator Anu Chatrath led the discussion, calling for an extension of one year to Dean Students Welfare (DSW) Prof Emanual Nahar, DSW (Women) Prof Neena Caplash and Associate Dean Ranjan Kumar. Earlier, their tenure was till August 31.

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