Srinagar, Jun 26: Dr. A.G. Ahangar’s stint as the Director of Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has been extended “in view of COVID-19.”
As per Government Order No. 551-JK(GAD) of 2021; Dated: 26.06.2021, “In view of the situation arising due to COVID-19, it is hereby ordered that Prof. A. G. Ahangar, Director, SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government, who was to retire on attaining the age of 65 years on 25.06.2021, shall continue to hold the post of Director, SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government till 31.12.2021, in terms of Government Order No.358 dated 04.05.2021.”
It is further ordered that during this period, Prof. A. G. Ahangar will not look after the issues related to procurement and appointments in the Institute, which shall be looked after by a Committee to be constituted by the Government.
“Appointing new permanent Director takes time as the government has to frame a committee to conduct the selection process. So, the government considered the extension amid the COVID crisis as the most preferred option,” an official, privy with the development, said on the condition of anonymity.
It is in place to mention here that Dr. Ahangar was appointed as Director SKIMS in June 2016 but was placed under suspension in January 2018 after three doctors were found practicing at the clinics. Months later, he was reinstated as Director SKIMS.