Shocking Decision: Delhi L-G’s Controversial Suspension of Top Health Official Sparks Outrage

Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has ordered the suspension of Vandana Bagga, Director of the Family Welfare Department and acting head of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The suspension, implemented by Vigilance Special Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar Bisht, accompanies a planned disciplinary inquiry against her. This move has sparked controversy, with Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj indicating he was not informed nor consulted by the Health Secretary about the suspension. The L-G’s office has not commented on the development.

An official from the state health department alleges Bagga was suspended for delaying the issuance of a tender for outsourcing lab services and not finalizing a drug procurement tender, which were priorities for the Chief Minister and Health Minister. However, Bagga claims the suspension is arbitrary and politically motivated to benefit a party in Delhi’s elections.

Further complicating the situation, Bharadwaj claims Bagga has made corruption allegations against senior health officials concerning the tenders. She stated that there was pressure to inflate a tender amount from Rs 20-30 crore to Rs 150 crore, raising concerns about favoritism towards large firms.

In her defense, Bagga has written to various authorities, including the Election Commission of India, arguing that health matters are state subjects. She asserts that the suspension should align with the Government of NCT of Delhi Act, 1991, which requires the L-G to act with the advice of the Health Minister or the council of ministers. She emphasizes that neither the health minister nor the chief minister advised her suspension.

This development highlights ongoing tensions and allegations of political maneuvering within Delhi’s health sector, raising questions about governance, transparency, and accountability amidst an electoral context.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-l-g-suspends-top-health-official-she-says-order-violates-norms-9765775/
Category : Cities,Delhi
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Publish Date: 2025-01-08 05:30:00