Dissent over Dr Srinivasa's move to contest elections

Hyderabad: Members of the medical fraternity and political leaders are demanding the resignation or dismissal of the controversial director of public health and family welfare Dr. G. Srinivasa Rao for reiterating his political aspirations and his keenness to contest elections.

Doctors of various associations said that it was inappropriate for an official of such a stature to be inclined towards political activities, while holding office. It may be noted that Rao had recently expressed his wish to enter the poll fray from Kothagudem Assembly constituency.

Rao’s political aspirations have cast a shadow on his services, which he does under the banner of ‘GSR trust’, which he runs. His constant interactions with voters have drawn flak from both medical and political fraternities.

Dr. M. Sampath Rao, president of Telangana state wing of Indian Medical Association (IMA) told Deccan Chronicle,“ He is in a responsible administrative service and it is unethical of him to make comments on political and religious issues as they are in no way related to health administration. If at all he wants to join politics or nurtures other such ambitions, he should resign from his post and go ahead. But being in an executive position, he cannot comment on political developments. As per the governing rules, no government employee can engage in such activities”.

Dr Sampath Rao wondered how Srinivasa Rao was being allowed to serve in the same position for eight long years. He said that the government should follow established protocols in the appointment of administrative officers and restrict it to a specific tenure.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders had recently petitioned Governor Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan seeking that Srinivasa Rao be removed from the position.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) vice-president Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, said, “The DPH has become more of a politician than an administrator. He is working for the government. We demand the government to remove him from the position apart from ordering a probe into the source of funds for his trust. We intend to write to the central vigilance agencies to track the source of money to GSR trust.”

As the Andhra Pradesh Civil Services Conduct Rules 1964, Amendment to GO Ms No. 77, GA (Ser. C) Dept, “No Government employee shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organisation in respect of which there is slightest reason to think that the organisation has a political aspect and takes part in politics; nor shall he participate in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity”.

Dr. K. Mahesh Kumar, president, Healthcare Reforms Doctors Association (HRDA), said, “The government must take action against the director for being involved in activities that violate service rules. Bureaucrats are supposed to be neutral and such things cannot be encouraged. He should either resign on his own or be sacked forthwith.”

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Srinivasa Rao proved futile exercises.