Date:01/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/01/stories/2007120158800100.htm

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Venugopal removed

Aarti Dhar

Move after presidential assent to Bill

NEW DELHI: The Centre removed P. Venugopal as AIIMS Director in a swift move following the notification on Friday evening of the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (Amendment) Bill.

T.D. Dogra has been appointed acting director for one month.

The Bill was notified within hours of its receiving presidential assent. The controversial law seeks to fix an age limit of 65 for the AIIMS and PGI Directors.

A Health and Family Welfare Ministry order said Dr. Venugopal ceased to be the Director following the notification of the Amendment Act 2007. The Health and Family Welfare Minister, in his capacity as AIIMS president, appointed Dr. Dogra, seniormost professor, acting director. The AIIMS president under Section 74 of the AIIMS Act has the power to appoint a temporary director.

The Ministry has convened a meeting of the Governing and Institute bodies for December 7. The Institute body will constitute a committee, which will recommend a name for AIIMS Director.

President Pratibha Patil signed the Bill two days after Parliament passed it, amid protests from the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which said the government was targeting the 66-year-old cardiac surgeon, who has had a running battle with Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss.

On Thursday, Dr. Venugopal moved the Supreme Court challenging the Bill and the matter is to be heard on December 3.