M A I N   N E W S

Vij gets cracking, raids Ambala MC office, Civil Hospital
Manish Sirhindi
Tribune News Service

Ambala, October 29
A day after taking over as Haryana’s Minister for Health, Medical Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, Ambala Cantonment MLA Anil Vij today initiated a campaign to put government offices in order. The minister started off by raiding the municipal corporation office and the Civil Hospital in his home constituency.

The officers and staff of the MC office in Ambala Cantonment were caught off guard as Vij walked in around 11 am and checked the complaints’ register. With most of the complaints pertaining to street lights, drinking water and roads having been marked as “resolved”, the minister asked the MC Secretary to call up the complainants and verify the same.

As some of the complainants said their issues remained unresolved, Vij gave the officers concerned a dressing down and asked them to take corrective measures. He also found around 25 staff members missing from the office. When he asked for the attendance register, the minister was told that it was with the MC office in Ambala city.

Vij then enquired about the number of safai workers and gardeners working with the MC. On learning that most of them had been deputed at the houses of senior bureaucrats and Congress leaders, the minister directed the officials concerned to assign them designated duties.

He directed the officials to ensure that those going out for field work should mention the same in the attendance register. Outside the MC office, two women complained of not receiving birth certificates despite repeated visits to the office. The minister sought explanation from the officer concerned. He asked the women to complete the formalities and contact him in case of further delay.

Vij later went to the Cantonment Civil Hospital, where doctors and paramedical staffers were found present. He, however, expressed displeasure at the way medical waste was being disposed of and asked to the Senior Medical Officer to ensure the safety procedure was followed.

Vij asked the Senior Medical Officer to submit a list of equipment required at the hospital and ensure facilities available at the hospital were properly utilised.

He also visited the PWD Rest House and directed the officials concerned to ensure no one went on leave without proper sanction.

Talking to The Tribune, Vij said he had decided to launch the campaign from his constituency so that a clear message went out to government employees that they would have to work for public welfare.

“Though I have not initiated any action against the erring employees, strict action will be taken for dereliction of duty in the future,” he said.