In yet another twist to the power struggle at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), former director P. Satish Chandra, who held the post till June 29 this year, took over as in-charge director of the institute on Saturday.
Dr. Chandra was appointed as interim director after G.S. Umamaheshwara Rao, who took over as in-charge director on July 31, expressed his unwillingness to continue in the post to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHFW).
Although Dr. Rao did not want to continue as in-charge director, he had been persuaded into doing so until the row resolved.
ADVERTISEMENT
Going by seniority, the MHFW, after seeking legal opinion, on Friday appointed Dr. Chandra, who is the senior-most medical faculty, as the in-charge director until a new director is appointed or until a period of six months, whichever was earlier.
Dr. Chandra told The Hindu that his aim was to restore the confidence about the country’s premier mental health institute among the public as well as the faculty members.
The institute was in an eye of the storm after N. Pradhan, who took over as in-charge director on June 29, made some controversial decisions during his month-long tenure by terminating the services of consultants, changed the heads of three departments, and also relieved Registrar V. Ravi of his post. Besides, he had asked Dr. Chandra not to continue as faculty member, which he later retracted following protest by faculty members.
ADVERTISEMENT
Asked if he would reverse these decisions or ask the Ministry for clarification, Dr. Chandra refused to comment.
The Faculty Association of NIMHANS said they would meet next week to chalk out the further course of action.
My aim is to restore the confidence about the country’s premier mental health institute among the public as well as faculty members
P. Satish Chandra