Pune, 19th October 2023: In a significant turn of events that has captured the attention of local administration, the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT) has issued a compelling directive for the immediate re-appointment of Dr. Bhagwan Pawar to his former position. This decision follows Dr. Pawar’s abrupt transfer, a move that triggered considerable discussion within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).
Dr. Pawar’s initial appointment was made by the state government in March 2023, as he succeeded Dr. Ashish Bharti in the role of Zilla Parishad Health Officer. This transition came on the heels of a bribery scandal involving Dr. Ashish Banginwar, the dean of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical College. However, a mere five months into his tenure, Dr. Pawar found himself reassigned to the position of Assistant Director of the Blindness Control Program of the State Government.
Expressing dissatisfaction with this abrupt relocation, Dr. Pawar decided to appeal to the Maharashtra Administrative Tribunal (MAT). After a thorough hearing, MAT ruled decisively in Dr. Pawar’s favor, ordering his swift re-appointment to his previous role.
Upon receiving MAT’s unequivocal decision, the Municipal Corporation reached out to the Urban Development Department of the State Government for further guidance. Priyanka Kulkarni, Deputy Secretary of the Urban Development Department, confirmed that Dr. Pawar has been directed to resume his duties as the health chief of the municipal corporation.
The State Government has also seized this opportunity to issue a stern warning to the Municipal Corporation, advising against any unnecessary delays in executing MAT’s unambiguous directives. “MAT’s orders are explicit, and there is no need for additional input from the Urban Development Department. Consequently, the government has cautioned the municipal corporation not to waste time on unnecessary correspondence,” emphasized Kulkarni.
This order for the re-appointment of Dr. Pawar not only brings an end to the debate within the municipal corporation but also sets a notable precedent for administrative procedures moving forward. The community now eagerly awaits compliance with MAT’s ruling, as Dr. Pawar prepares to reclaim his former position as health chief.
