VS seeks vigilance probe into RCC appointment

Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan has demanded a Vigilance investigation into the government decision to re-appoint Flower Augustine, former nursing superintendent grade II at the Regional Cancer Centre, and sanction salary and benefits for eight years during which she did not work at the RCC.  Achuthanandan’s demand comes on the footsteps of the Lok Ayukta issuing notices to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Health Minister V S Sivakumar on a complaint that the appointment of Flower, daughter of KPCC member Augustine, was illegal.

 In a statement here, Achuthanandan said that Flower Augustine was sacked in 1993. She approached the HC against the decision and in the interim, she studied law and enrolled as a lawyer. The court verdict was against her.  In 2002, the UDF Government re-appointed her overlooking the court order, but said it will be viewed as a fresh appointment. But the government has now sanctioned her the salary and benefits for the period from 1994 to 2002 when, in fact, she was studying law and engaged in private practice, Achuthanandan said.  He demanded that the persons behind the decision should be brought before justice.