Karnataka MLA’s niece got Rs 70,000 monthly govt salary without going to work

A doctor who is working as a medical officer at the Namma Clinic in Karnataka’s Bagalkot has been accused of drawing a government salary despite remaining absent from duty for six months. An inquiry into the matter has begun at the Zilla Panchayat level.

Dr. Ankita Yargal, who is facing the allegations, is the niece of Bagalkot Congress MLA Umesh Meti. The facts of the case will be established only after the inquiry is completed.

Pursuing postgraduation

According to a notice issued by the authorities, Dr. Ankita, who was appointed as a medical officer at the Namma Clinic in Wambay Colony, did not report for duty from March 3 to September. Her absence allegedly caused inconvenience to people seeking healthcare services at the clinic.

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During the same period, she is said to have been pursuing postgraduate medical studies at a private medical college. The key question before the inquiry is whether she had the required permission to pursue her studies while simultaneously holding the post of medical officer at the government-run Namma Clinic and drawing a salary.

Did she discharge responsibilities at two places?

The notice states that Dr. Ankita had obtained permission from the principal of the private medical college to pursue her studies. However, questions have been raised over her failure to report for duty at the Namma Clinic.

The authorities are examining the rules applicable to a medical officer appointed at a public health institution who remains absent from duty while continuing to draw a salary.

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The inquiry will also look into whether there was any violation of rules governing the medical profession or professional ethics. If the allegations are established, disciplinary action could be initiated under the relevant rules.

Notice to appear for inquiry on September 18

Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Gajanan Bale is conducting the inquiry.

Dr Ankita reportedly did not appear for the earlier hearing. Against this backdrop, a notice has been issued directing her to appear for the next hearing at 10 am on September 18 at the Zilla Panchayat office.

The authorities have warned that if she fails to appear for the inquiry on the scheduled date, a decision will be taken ex parte based on the documents and information available on record.

(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)