Babulal Marandi writes to CM, seeks probe into Pharmacy Council corruption
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, August 24: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, demanding an…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, August 24: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, demanding an independent inquiry into alleged corruption in the Jharkhand State Pharmacy Council.
Marandi has sought an impartial investigation into allegations concerning the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs), recognition of pharmacy institutions, seat allocations and the conduct of examinations by the council.
He has demanded that the inquiry be conducted either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or under the supervision of a sitting judge of the Jharkhand High Court.
Marandi Seeks 10-Year Audit of Pharmacy Council
In his letter to Hemant Soren, Marandi said the number of pharmacy colleges in Jharkhand has increased from around three to approximately 150 over the past decade.
He alleged that NOCs were granted to several institutions despite their alleged lack of required infrastructure, standards and resources.
The Opposition leader further alleged that illegal payments of nearly ₹30 lakh per college were collected for granting such approvals. He also referred to allegations of an approximately ₹800-crore syndicate operating within the system.
These allegations have not been independently established.
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Questions Government’s Role
Marandi said the subsequent cancellation of recognition of several pharmacy colleges had further heightened the seriousness of the allegations.
“If such alleged irregularities persisted on a massive scale for years, how did the government, the concerned department, the minister, officials and council office-bearers remain unaware of them?” he asked.
He said the matter goes beyond alleged financial irregularities as it could directly affect the future of thousands of pharmacy students and the quality of healthcare services in the state.
Demands Audit of NOCs, Recognitions and Degrees
Marandi urged the Chief Minister to order a comprehensive audit covering the past 10 years, including all NOCs, recognitions, seat allocations and degrees issued during the period.
He also demanded that the roles of the concerned ministers, government officials, Pharmacy Council office-bearers and alleged middlemen be brought under the scope of the investigation.
Calls for Action Against Guilty
The Leader of the Opposition called for strict action against anyone found guilty, irrespective of their position or influence.
He also stressed the need to protect students who may have been affected by alleged irregularities in the recognition and functioning of pharmacy colleges.
Marandi said an independent investigation was necessary to establish the facts, fix responsibility and safeguard the interests of innocent students.
