RTI unveils major scandal in SKIMS


Reported by Mudassir Kuloo in kashmirmonitor.org on August 13, 2012

RTI unveils major scandal in SKIMS

SRINAGAR: In a startling revelation of “redtapeism” that has come to fore through an RTI, the Sher-i- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS,) deemed University Soura, had issued a “fraudulent selection list” and made the selection of otherwise ineligible candidates in various courses for DM-M Ch while dropping the genuine candidates for these courses.
Ironically, the authorities have now asked the dropped candidates to appear in the practical part of entrance examination,

when the candidates who were selected in fraudulent selection list have already joined the courses.
Selection for DM/M Ch Courses at SKIMS (Deemed University) session 2012, a copy of which lies with The Kashmir Monitor reveals that based on the merit obtained in the Entrance Examination (Theory & Practical) conducted by SKIMS Deemed University, the following candidates; Dr Sawan Kumar Verma and Dr Irfan Yousuf Wani were selected to undergo DM/M Ch degree courses in Neurology, while Dr Tasneem Muzaffar, Dr Ravindar Kumar, Dr Maqsood Ali and Dr Mir Mudassir Sidiq were selected for CVTS branch.

Suspecting foul play, the candidates who were dropped by the selection committee, raised their voice against what they called unfair selection and demanded a thorough investigation in the whole case. However, the SKIMS authorities rejected the allegations of unfair selection and defended the procedure for selecting candidates for higher courses.
Meanwhile, Dr Shabir Ahmad Mir, who was dropped by the selection committee, filed an application for re-evaluation of his theory answer papers. However he was sent a brief reply stating that after revaluation the marks given to him by the examiners earlier stood to be validated.

“Refer your representation dated 20/07/2012 on the subject cited above. In this connection you are informed that your answer script has been rechecked by means of computer as well as manually and it has been confirmed that you have not secured requisite 50 percent marks in the entrance test, held on 17th July 2012, therefore you could not qualify for practical part of the examination,” replied the office of the Consultant Academics SKIMS (Deemed University).
It may be mentioned here that it is mandatory for one to secure 50 percent marks in the theory in these examinations and then only he/she could qualify for practical part of the examination.

With the SKIMS authorities blatantly denying that there was any unfair selection of the candidates, some aggrieved doctors filed an RTI application in which they sought detailed information about the entire process of the selections, from the Dean Academics SKIMS. To their utter surprise and shock, the Dean Academics in his reply gave a contradictory reply to their selection list issued earlier.

A copy of which is with The Kashmir Monitor revealed that after re-evaluation of the DM Neurology and M.Ch-CVTS (Theory) entrance examination session 2012, it has been observed that the following candidates who were dropped earlier, namely-Dr Ramteke Rukesh Pandurang, Dr Riyaz Ahmad Dagga, Dr Tanveer Hassan, Dr Syed Abdul Wahid Dr. Shabir Ahmad Mir and Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Mir- have secured 50 percent and above marks in the theory examination and are eligible to appear in the practical part of entrance examination.

Thus the SKIMS authorities admitted that the earlier selection list was issued had many flaws and many genuine and eligible candidates were dropped for no fault of theirs. This put a huge question mark hangs over the credibility of the Institute and the indifference shown by the authorities.

“If the candidates in these two courses would not have filed an RTI, then there was no chance to unveil the truth. Thanks to the RTI that it brought into light the fraudulent selection list issued by the SKIMS,” said a medico at SKIMS.

“When the Dean Academics SKIMS Soura has already selected the candidates and they have joined at Neurology Department, what is the fun for us to appear in the practical part of entrance examination? Authorities should first cancel the selection of candidates who were selected in a fraudulent manner,” some doctors demanded.

Candidates have appealed the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to set up an autonomous body, that won’t be under the SKIMS to conduct the selection of doctors for higher courses as the SKIMS management has lost its credibility in conducting free and fair examination.

“There are chances that the exams could not be hold free and fair by the SKIMS authorities. So Omar Abdullah should issue an order to hold exams by an autonomous body like the pattern of civil service examination,” they said.
Well-placed sources told The Kashmir Monitor that SKIMS authorities had selected the undeserving candidates and dropped the genuine candidates for some personal considerations and interests.

“The nepotism and favouritism ruins the career of deserving candidates, who are being deliberately dropped while the officials who are at the helm of affairs of SKIMS select their own kith and kin,” said an official of SKIMS Soura, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal.

Despite repeated attempts, Director SKIMS, Soura, Dr. Showkat Ahmad Zargar didn’t pick up the phone for comments.