Will Principal GMCH Dr. Ashutosh Gupta implement GAD’s Office Memorandum regarding overstay?

Avinash Azad

A nursing orderly (NO) turned, a head storekeeper of understaffed, Government Medical College and Hospital (GMC&H), Jammu staying in J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd (JKMSCL) since January 2016, beyond the maximum allowed three-year period for the deputation under the rules.

Avinash Sharma was initially appointed as a class-IV employee, by the then Principal GMC&H Dr. R. K. Raina, vide no. 922 of 1997 dated 31/12/1997 was directed to report to Block Medical Officer (BMO), Community Health Centre, R S Pura.

But in 2002 his designation was changed from nursing orderly to packer along with others. “It is hereby ordered that Avinash Sharma and Suresh Kumar, nursing orderlies, GMC&H are re-designated as Packers against available vacancies in GMC Jammu”, Government order no 62 (HME) of 2002 dated 17/01/2002 reads.

In 2005 Avinash Sharma was promoted as Junior Storekeeper. “As recommended by the departmental Promotion Committee (non-gazetted) of GMC&H and its Associated Hospital Jammu sanction is hereby accorded to the promotion of packers Avinash Sharma and Suresh Kumar”, vide order no. 257/AHJ of 2005 dated 05/10/2005 reads.

“Avinash Sharma Store Keeper GMC Jammu, Jagjeet Singh Supervisory Pharmacist SMGSH Jammu, Naresh Kumar Head Assistant CD Hospital Jammu are deputed to J&K Medical Supplies Corporation”, Govt order no HD/GAZ/Gen-02/2026, dated 14/01/2016 reads.

“During his posting in the JKMSCL Avinash Sharma got two promotions i.e. 2018 and 2023 and is still sitting there under the patronage of Dr. Yashpal Sharma former MD JKMSCL and incumbent Director Coordination New Medical Colleges”, sources claimed.

Avinash (Sharma) shall hand over the charge to Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Jr Pharmacist and his further posting shall be intimated through a separate order”, order no 36/JKMSCL of 2021 dated 05/11/2021 reads. Sources said despite a clear-cut order by the MD JKMSCL, Avinash Sharma deliberately sat in the Regional Drug Warehouse Nagorta under the patronage of his boss and the nexus of few officials and suppliers has high-jacked the functioning of the JKMSCL.

Sources further said some officials of JKMSCL, Regional Drug Warehouse Nagorta are involved in drug peddling. “On July 14,2023 City Police caught a man with diazepam injections, it came to know that the injections were stolen from Regional Drug Warehouse Nagorta, 5084 diazepam injections were found missing from drug warehouse”, sources in Police told The Hidden New and added that some officials of JKMSCL posted in drug store have made their fortune. “Some officials have accumulated huge wealth in crores, by indulging in illegal means, the government should identify and expel such black sheep”, he added.

It has been learned from reliable sources that Avinash Sharma, Head Store Keeper, has been eyeing AIMS Jammu. “Avinash Sharma is confident that after retirement Dr Yashpal Sharma will manage a post in AIIMS Vijaypur and he is also exploring possibilities”, they added.

Recently, the General Administration Department (GAD) vide its office memorandum (OM) GAD-ADM0111/122/2023-09-GAD, dated 26/09/2023 have asked all the heads off departments including administrative secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, and Deputy Commissioners, for shifting of officers/officials in different Department/organisation having stay of more than five years.

Dr Ashutosh Gupta Principal GMC&H Jammu when contacted over this issue said that GAD has sought details of overstaying officials and officers, and the same is being prepared and will be submitted soon.