1 hr ago

Delhi Transfers Health Secretary Amid Procurement Lapses Probe

Delhi’s government moved several officers to new jobs.

Rupesh Kumar Thakur was moved out of the Health Department but will continue leading the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board.

Prashant Goyal will take additional charge of the Health Department.

The change comes after questions about how the department bought medicines and medical supplies.

Officials said the Health Minister had asked Thakur for more information about the purchases and was unhappy with his response.

Separately, investigators are looking into an alleged large medical procurement scam.

The transfer order did not say that the move was because of the investigation.

Thakur has not been named as an accused in the reported case.

Other officers were also given new responsibilities, including in Excise and Tourism.

Key facts

Officers affected: 34 IAS and DANICS officers were included in the reshuffle.
Thakur’s ongoing role: He will continue as CEO of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board.
New Health charge: Prashant Goyal was given additional charge of Health and Family Welfare.
Alleged procurement case: The Anti-Corruption Branch is investigating an alleged Rs 700-crore medical procurement scam.
Chargesheet: A nearly 12,000-page chargesheet has been filed in the case.
Prosecution sanction: On September 30, the Delhi government sanctioned prosecution of three former officials, including former DGHS chief Dr Vatsala Aggarwal.
Excise appointment: Awanish Kumar was appointed Excise Commissioner.
Tourism charge: Arti Lal Sharma was given additional charge of Tourism while continuing as Secretary of Irrigation and Flood Control.

NDTV · 1 hr ago