Phoolka picks ‘tainted’ vet as OSD, stirs row

CHANDIGARH: Aam Aadmi Party MLA Harvinder Singh Phoolkas choice of Officer on Special Duty OSD has led to a controversy Being the Leader of Opposition Phoolka is entitled to have an OSD and other staff on government expense

Updated At : 07:30 AM Apr 10, 2017 IST

Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 9

Aam Aadmi Party MLA Harvinder Singh Phoolka’s choice of Officer on Special Duty (OSD) has led to a controversy. Being the Leader of Opposition, Phoolka is entitled to have an OSD and other staff on government expense.

He has chosen Dr Parampal Singh, a veterinarian with the Department of Animal Husbandry. But it seems that Phoolka failed to scruitinise the credentials of the person before appointing him. Dr Singh is facing a departmental inquiry following a complaint of corruption against him.

Before taking over as OSD to Phoolka, Dr Singh was working as Public Relations Officer of Gulzar Singh Ranike, the then Animal Husbandry Minister. The Punjab State Veterinary Officers’ Association had sent a complaint to the Prime Minister against Dr Singh’s accusing him of charging hefty amount for transfers in the department. The PMO brought the issue to the knowledge of the state government, which marked an inquiry against him in December last year. Sources confirmed that due to pressure from politicians and bureaucracy, the inquiry could not be initiated.

When contacted, Dr Vinay Mohan, Deputy Director, who is conducting the inquiry, said: “The probe was marked in December, but I couldn’t get time to initiate it. The first hearing is scheduled for April 17.”

Phoolka, meanwhile, said he was not aware of any inquiry against Dr Parampal Singh. He said on his request the government had agreed to replace him.