With the Dean and Director of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) O.S. Siddappa reaching superannuation this month-end, a change of guard is imminent at the premier institute.
Although many senior doctors are in the race for the top post, sources said Dr. Siddappa himself is “seriously lobbying” for an extension. Rumours are rife that Dr. Siddappa has impressed upon the Governing Council to extend his term for another year.
In fact, Dr. Siddappa insisted that his appointment was for a period of three years from May 24, 2011, which means that he has another year of service. However, this is being disputed by those aspiring for the top post.
“Usually the appointment order says that the term is for three years or till superannuation, whichever is earlier. Although Dr. Siddappa is reaching superannuation this month-end, he is keen on continuing for another year. He has even got the Governing Council pass an order in this regard,” said a contender.
However, Dr. Siddappa said the appointment order mentions only the three-year term.
“Going by this, I have another year. Some decision has been taken by the Governing Council in March. But, I am not aware of the details,” he told The Hindu. Sources in the Medical Education Department said although the outgoing Medical Education Minister S.A. Ramdas, who also headed the Governing Council, was in favour of Dr. Siddappa’s extension, the other members were opposed to it.
Principal Secretary (Medical Education) K.H. Govindraju, who said the Dr. Siddappa’s term was on till this month-end, refused to comment on the extension. “A decision will be taken by the new government,” he said.
Aspirants
Medical Superintendents of Bowring and Lady Curzon and Victoria hospitals — Satish Chandra and G. Gurushankar respectively — apart from several other senior doctors from these two hospitals as well as Vani Vilas and Minto hospitals, are in the race for the top post.
The BMCRI was accorded autonomous status in 2007 and G.T. Subhas was appointed the first director.
Except for Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubli, Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Bellary, and the Institute of Nephro-Urology, Bangalore, where the term of the director is five years, heads of all other medical colleges in the State are appointed for three years or until they turn 60, whichever is earlier.
