In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Assam Government on Sunday relieved Prof. (Dr.) Achyut Chandra Baishya of the additional charge of Principal-cum-Chief Superintendent (i/c) of Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) and posted him to hold the same charge at Nalbari Medical College & Hospital.
Simultaneously, Prof. (Dr.) Babul Kumar Bezbaruah has been entrusted with the additional charge of Principal-cum-Chief Superintendent (i/c) of GMCH with immediate effect.
The transfer assumes significance as Dr Baishya has been facing serious allegations of workplace sexual harassment made by a senior woman doctor of GMCH, leading to the registration of an FIR and the constitution of a government inquiry committee earlier this year.
The complainant, an Associate Professor and former Head of the Department of Clinical Psychology, alleged that the GMCH Principal repeatedly asked her to meet him alone in his office, requested that she inform him whenever she was alone, and made repeated unwelcome advances amounting to sexual harassment and abuse of his official position.
Besides the allegations of inappropriate behaviour, the doctor accused Dr Baishya of administrative victimisation. According to her complaint, proposals relating to the development of the Department of Clinical Psychology, including recruitment, academic expansion and research initiatives, were repeatedly delayed or obstructed. She further alleged that her department was eventually dissolved and merged with another department without adequate justification.
Following the complaint, the Panbazar Women Police Station registered an FIR, while the Assam Government constituted a two-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations.
Dr Baishya has denied all allegations. He has maintained that the administrative decisions under question were taken in accordance with government notifications and has stated that he would present all relevant documents before the inquiry committee.
The Gauhati High Court has also granted interim relief to Dr Baishya in connection with the proceedings arising out of the complaint, while the legal process continues.
The government notification issued on Sunday, however, does not mention any reason for the transfer and merely states that the postings have been made in the interest of public service.
The inquiry into the allegations is still pending, and no court or inquiry committee has, so far, held Dr.Baishya guilty of the charges.
Bokajan Brutal Murder Case: AAWPA Submit Memorandum Seeking Justice