Faculty Recruitment Hopes Dashed After Governing Body Intervention
The hopes of doctors aspiring to secure new faculty positions at AIIMS were shattered after the Governing Body intervened and imposed a stay on the recruitment process. Interviews had already been conducted for the recruitment of 100 doctors, but the process was halted after it was found that the recruitment procedure was neither properly explained nor conducted in accordance with established rules.
Interviews Completed but Recruitment Process Stayed Over Rule Violations
Interviews for 100 faculty posts at AIIMS were conducted during November and December. However, before the final appointments could be issued, objections were raised over procedural violations. As a result, the entire recruitment process was stayed, and it was decided that the recruitment would be rescheduled after corrective measures.
Tumultuous AIIMS Governing Body and Institute Body Meeting in Jodhpur
The joint meeting of the Governing Body (GB) and Institute Body (IB) held at AIIMS on Tuesday turned highly tumultuous. During the meeting, the Governing Body put a stop to recruitment for 100 of the most critical faculty positions, citing that the recruitment was not being conducted as per prescribed regulations.
Direct and Deputation-Based Recruitment Put on Hold
Along with regular recruitment, both direct recruitment and deputation-based appointments were also halted. The Governing Body made it clear that no appointments would be approved until the recruitment process fully complied with rules and norms.
Concerns Raised Over Deputation-Only Recruitment and Limited Applications
During the meeting, concerns were raised about the recruitment being tilted toward deputation appointments. For 69 deputation posts, only three applications were received. Sources indicated that all three applicants were individuals familiar with the AIIMS administration, which raised serious questions about transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.
Allegations by AIIMS President Against Director Over Arbitrary Allocation of Posts
According to sources, AIIMS President Dr. Prof. Tejas Madhusudan Patel leveled serious allegations against AIIMS Director Dr. Govardhan Dutt Puri during the meeting. Dr. Patel stated that the Director was fully aware that only 100 new faculty posts had been approved, despite the institute’s actual requirement being significantly higher.
Staffing Shortfall Highlights Violation of Standard Staffing Pattern Norms
As per the Standard Staffing Pattern (SSP) rules, AIIMS requires 486 faculty positions. The approval of only 100 new posts represents a staffing shortfall of approximately 44.75 percent. Despite this shortfall, the Director allegedly distributed the approved posts arbitrarily, leading to major departmental imbalances.
Director Accused of Arbitrary Distribution of Faculty Positions Across Departments
It was alleged that the Director allocated faculty positions without adhering to SSP norms. Posts were allotted in some departments without justification, while other essential departments were left without any sanctioned positions, creating serious discrepancies in recruitment planning.
SSP Norms Ignored in Multiple Clinical and Super-Specialty Departments
According to SSP rules, no faculty positions were recommended for Burns and Plastic Surgery, Pharmacology, Surgical Oncology, Trauma and Emergency, and Urology. Despite this, faculty posts were allocated to these departments, allegedly in violation of established norms.
Excess Faculty Allocation in Medicine, Pediatrics, and Oncology Departments
Further irregularities were highlighted in departments where excess positions were allotted. In General Medicine, five posts were approved instead of the sanctioned four, while Pediatrics received six posts instead of five. In Medical Oncology and Hematology, where only eight doctors are currently posted, three additional posts were allotted despite limited overall staffing.
Dean Appointment Dispute Sparks Clash Between Chairman, Director, and MPs
The issue of Dean appointments became another major point of contention. Members of Parliament raised questions about Deans being appointed against rules, leading to a heated exchange during the meeting.
MP Hanuman Beniwal Questions Non-Implementation of 2019 Gazette Notification
MP Hanuman Beniwal stated that a government gazette notification regarding Dean appointments was issued in 2019 but had not been implemented for the past five years. He alleged that even now, several Deans were not appointed on the basis of seniority, in clear violation of norms.
Governing Body Asserts Seniority-Based Appointment of Deans
AIIMS Chairman Dr. Tejas Madhusudan Patel reiterated that the Dean must be appointed strictly on the basis of seniority. In response, AIIMS Director Dr. Govardhan Dutt Puri stated that, as per rules, the Dean is appointed on the advice of the AIIMS Director. The committee later clarified that while seniority could be determined internally, no Dean appointment would be approved without the consent of the AIIMS Chairman.
Key Medical and Academic Departments Left Without Any Sanctioned Posts
Despite SSP recommendations to establish departments such as Medical Hematology, Biostatistics, Medical Biotechnology, Rheumatology, and Clinical Immunology, not a single faculty post was sanctioned for these departments, effectively preventing their launch.
Dental and Community Medicine Departments Receive Reduced or No Allocation
Serious discrepancies were also noted in other departments. While 16 faculty posts were recommended for the Dental Department, only four were approved. Similarly, two posts were recommended for Community and Family Medicine, but none were sanctioned.
Row Over Ban on MPs’ Recommendation Letters for Postings
The meeting also discussed the recent order issued by the AIIMS Deputy Director banning the use of recommendation letters from Members of Parliament for postings. This order triggered strong objections from elected representatives.
AIIMS Chairman Orders Withdrawal of Controversial Directive
MP Hanuman Beniwal termed the directive arbitrary and undemocratic. Taking note of the objection, AIIMS Chairman Dr. Tejas Madhusudan Patel directed that the order banning recommendation letters be withdrawn immediately.
Recruitment Freeze Raises Concerns Over Medical Education and Patient Care
The suspension of the faculty recruitment process has raised serious concerns about governance, transparency, and compliance with staffing norms at AIIMS. With several departments facing shortages and new departments unable to begin operations, the stalled recruitment is expected to adversely impact medical education, patient care, and institutional functioning until the matter is resolved.
