IAS Ajoy Sharma controversy: Day after retirement, woman officer was 'appointed' on outsource basis without following due process

Chandigarh, January 24: Controversies surrounding Punjab IAS officer Ajoy Sharma refuse to die down. After his alleged refusal to allow spending on publicity of mohalla clinics costed him dearly and he was transferred out of the health department late Friday evening, a fresh complaint against him has now surfaced. 

The complaint points towards alleged conspiracy hatched by IAS officer Ajoy Sharma along with his close aides IAS Anurag Aggarwal and State Anti Fraud Officer, State Health Agency, Raveena Sharma. 

A group of activists fighting against corruption claims to have collected authentic information against Punjab IAS officer Ajoy Sharma and "illicit favour" given by him to his close aides, who were illegally appointed by him in the Health Department. 

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As per the complaint, Ajoy Sharma allegedly hindered independent investigation against Neelima that is being conducted by honest officers of vigilance by threatening them through indirect means. 

The complaint alleged that Ajoy Sharma procured CBC machines and other high-end machines for mohalla clinics and civil hospitals at the cost of Rs 24 crore, through illegal means and favoured tendering to his known vendors.

“Ajoy Sharma conducted a big scam by getting the file of Rusan Pharmaceutical company closed in irregular and illegal manner, and he got this done through his confidante and aide in the Health Department,” says the complaint. 

As per the complaint letter, it has also been alleged that Ajoy Sharma rewarded his close confidante Areet Kaur by recruiting her after her retirement from her promoted post of Director Health Services;  on outsource bases in the State Health Agency. Moreover, she was given the next responsibility just a day after the retirement. 

"Notably, she was appointed at the State Health Agency from the very next day of her taking VRS, on outsourced basis, without a gap of single day and without following due process, so as to achieve his illegal agenda and to misuse government funds," says the complaint.

It has also been alleged that Raveena Sharma was illegally appointed by Ajoy Sharma without any requisite experience and qualifications, without following the legal procedure and that too when the CAG had raised serious concerns on her appointment and pronounced it illegal. 

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The complainants comprising a group of activists have demanded immediate removal and  strict penal action against all such officials.