Punjab: Health secy transferred for 'objecting to Rs 30 cr on mohalla clinics' publicity', Opposition slams AAP govt

Chandigarh, Jan 22 (PTI) Punjab health secretary Ajoy Sharma was transferred from the department with the opposition parties claiming that the IAS officer was shunted out after he objected to spending of Rs 30 crore on the publicity of mohalla clinics.

Sharma's transfer out of the health department came ahead of the launch of more 'aam aadmi clinics' next week.

Sharma was holding the post of health secretary as well as financial commissioner (taxation). He has been transferred out of both these departments, officials said.

However, Punjab Chief Secretary V K Janjua termed it as a routine transfer.

According to the officials, V K Meena has been given the charge of the health department while Vikas Pratap is the new financial commissioner (taxation).

Meanwhile, Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira claimed that Sharma was transferred because he refused to approve Rs 30 crore for the promotion of 'aam aadmi' clinics.

“This is Delhi's Health-Model spend thrice the amount of project on publicity! @BhagwantMann shunts out Health Secy merely bcoz he refused to sanction 30 Cr for publicity of Mohalla-Clinics! They've ruined our PB rural dispensaries for the theatrics and ego of @ArvindKejriwal (sic),” Khaira tweeted.

            Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring also slammed the AAP government over the transfer of the IAS officer, saying he was shunted out for raising an objection to spending Rs 30 crore on publicity of mohalla clinics.

            “This is outright LOOT and ROBBERY. Rs 10 crore on mohalla clinics and Rs 30 crore on publicity that too outside Punjab. @AAPPunjab seems to be resolved to bleed Punjab white. And the officer who objected to it, has been SHUNTED OUT. Wah @ArvindKejriwal Sahab,” said Warring in a tweet.

            Shiromani Akali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal also hit out at the AAP government.

            "Patients being compelled to bring syringes to get injections administered in govt hospitals, but Delhi puppet @BhagwantMann is hell bent on wasting Rs 30 crore on publicizing 'useless' #MohallaClinics. And if an officer objects to this sheer wastage, he is shunted out. Big shame,” claimed Badal in a tweet.

            The state government had earlier said that over 400 new 'aam aadmi' clinics will be dedicated to people of the state on January 27, thereby raising their strength to 500. PTI CHS SUN VSD KVK KVK