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In Jo's Blog

 

Keshav Desiraju, an Indian gov officer stands in early intervention centre with American woman in red - both smiling

March 3rd, 2014

Dr Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India
New Delhi

Dear Sir:

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our opposition to the unwarranted transfer of Shri Keshav Desiraju from his position as Health Secretary, Government of India.

Keshav Desiraju is known for his honesty, integrity and administrative capabilities. There has been no credible case made to justify the move from an important, high-profile department to a lesser known one, nor were proper procedures adhered to in the process.

Furthermore, the decision violates the recent Supreme Court order that serving officers not be transferred earlier than two years to “ensure good governance.”

Whenever sudden decisions are made and transparency is missing, rumours abound. This case is no exception. Allegations that Keshav Desiraju has been transferred as punishment over a principled stand regarding the Medical Council of India or about import of stents are all over the press. Distinguished groups like Medico Friends Circle and individuals like Nobel Laureate Amartaya Sen have expressed their dismay and consternation.

We add our names to the long and growing list of people who are trying to make a difference in the country but are continually thwarted by political manoeuvres and vested interests. We urge you to investigate Keshav Desiraju’s transfer and restore him to his former position as Secretary, Health.

Sincerely,

 

Anu Aga, Member, National Advisory Council, Rajya Sabha

Deep Joshi, Member, National Advisory Council

Aruna Roy, Former Member of National Advisory Council

B N Yughandhar, Member, Planning Commission (Retired)

S K Das, Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand (Retired)

Vibha Puri Das, Secretary, MHRD (Retired)

Dr Ravi Chopra, Director, Peoples Science Institute

Dunu Roy, Director, Hazards Centre

Prashant Bhushan, Supreme Court Lawyer

Shaheen Mistri, CEO, Teach for India

Dr Kalpana Kannabiran, Director, Council for Social Development

Ravi Chellam, Research Scholar

Amba Salelkar, Director, Inclusive Planet

Dr Vibha Krishnamurthy, Medical Director, Ummeed Child Development Centre

Gloria Burrett, Counselor, Developmental Therapist

Vaishnavi Jayakumar, Disability Activist

Syamala, Director, AADI

Dr Shubha Nagesh, Latika Roy Foundation

Manju Singhania, Latika Roy Foundation

Sumita Nanda, Latika Roy Foundation

Sandeep Khanna, Latika Roy Foundation

Mamta Govil, Latika Roy Foundation

Savita Thapliyal, Latika Roy Foundation

Aarti Nair, Latika Roy Foundation

Jo Chopra, Latika Roy Foundation

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  • […] We, the undersigned, are writing to express our opposition to the unwarranted transfer of Shri Keshav Desiraju from his position as Health Secretary, Government of India. Keshav Desiraju is known for his honesty, integrity and administrative capabilities. There has been no credible case made to justify the move from an important, high-profile department to a lesser known one, nor were proper procedures adhered to in the process. Furthermore, the decision violates the recent Supreme Court order that serving officers not be transferred earlier than two years to ‘ensure good governance.’ Whenever sudden decisions are made and transparency is missing, rumours abound. This case is no exception. Allegations that Keshav Desiraju has been transferred as punishment over a principled stand regarding the Medical Council of India or about import of stents are all over the press. Distinguished groups like Medico Friends Circle and individuals like Nobel Laureate Amartaya Sen have expressed their dismay and consternation. We add our names to the long and growing list of people who are trying to make a difference in the country but are continually thwarted by political manoeuvres and vested interests. We urge you to investigate Keshav Desiraju’s transfer and restore him to his former position as Secretary, Health. Click here for the original letter.  […]

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