TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 20, 2024: Senior spokesperson of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee, Surendra Verma, has accused the BJP-led state government of shielding corrupt officials and appointing ineligible individuals to key positions in exchange for commissions. He cited the example of the State Pharmacy Council under the Health Department, where a Class-3 pharmacist, allegedly possessing fake qualifications, has been appointed as registrar. Verma claimed this appointment violates rules and has led to wrongful actions against whistleblowers.
Verma highlighted the suspension of Dr. Rakesh Gupta, an elected member of the Medical Council of India (MCI), who had exposed cases of fake degrees and registrations within the Pharmacy Council over the past 11 months. “Instead of taking action against proven irregularities, the BJP government unfairly expelled the complainant to shield its own misdeeds,” Verma stated.
He alleged that the registrar of the Pharmacy Council, Ashwani Gurdekar, lacks the requisite qualifications for the position. “A second-class gazetted officer is mandatory for the role of registrar, but Gurdekar, a Class-3 pharmacist, has been appointed in violation of rules,” he said. Verma further questioned the lack of action against an employee with a fake mark sheet, despite a proposal for an FIR being passed during Gurdekar’s tenure.
The spokesperson claimed that Dr. Gupta’s suspension was unlawful, as no formal procedure was followed. “There was no committee decision, no official file, and no notice issued before the termination of Dr. Gupta’s membership,” Verma stated. He argued that the decision to remove Gupta for missing three meetings was unjust, especially when similar absences by other members had not led to terminations.
Verma accused the BJP government of orchestrating Gupta’s suspension to suppress corruption complaints and investigations. “This action is a blatant example of the government’s attempts to protect corrupt practices while targeting those who dare to expose them,” he added.
The Congress also criticized the government’s broader approach to governance in the health sector. “Under BJP rule, corruption and inefficiency have reached alarming levels. This mismanagement has left the state’s health system in shambles,” Verma remarked.
The allegations come amid rising concerns over governance in key departments. The Congress has demanded an impartial investigation into the Pharmacy Council’s functioning and the reinstatement of Dr. Gupta to ensure transparency and accountability.
