It’s Game of Thrones at SMS Medical College

More than 30 doctors are among the probables for the post of Principal at Sawai Man Singh Medical College, the largest medical college in the state. This is for the first time when doctors, including some head of departments or administrative posts holders, have applied for the post which is going to vacate on May 31 as sitting principal Dr US Agrawal would be retiring from the post after completing 62 years of age. 

Though some of the applicants also have attained the age of 62 years already, so the chances of them getting selected are very low because the government, by an order issued recently, has made the provision that the medical staff who has attained the age of 62 years cannot be posted on an administrative post. 

The candidates for the post of principal will be interviewed at the Chief Secretary (CS) level and files of three final candidates will be sent to Health Minister and Chief Minister and followed by their nod over a name, posting orders will be issued by the health department. As of now, the health department has sent all the applications, received for the post, to the department of personnel (DoP) to conduct a departmental inquiry. As soon as the DoP sends its report, the health department would write a letter to CS for conducting interviews of the candidates. After that, the committee, comprising Chief Secretary DB Gupta, Health Secretary Anand Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Rajasthan University of Health Sciences Dr Raja Babu Panwar and DoP secretary Bhaskar A Sawant will initiate the interview process. 

Meanwhile, Dr US Agrwal, principal of SMS Medical college also wants to continue at his current post, even after attaining the age of 62 years. Dr Agrawal has written a letter to health department in which, giving reference of retirement related rules, he has sought extension at his current post.

Seeks extension...

• Meanwhile, Dr US Agrwal, principal of SMS Medical college also wants to continue at his current post, even after attaining the age of 62 years. Dr Agrawal has written a letter to health department in which, giving reference of retirement related rules, he has sought extension at his current post.
• Candidates for the post of principal will be interviewed at the CS level and files of 3 final candidates will be sent to Health Minister and CM.

Probables in the race 

• Dr Ashok Gupta, who is currently Medical Superintendent of JK Lon Hospital, the largest hospital for children in the state, seems to be the first in the race. He is holding the post from last three years. His experience as MS make him the most suitable candidate for the post of principal at SMS Medical College. He had never been into any kind of controversy during his tenure and most importantly, it was his effort that JK Lon hospital bagged the Best hospital and clean hospital award surpassing many private hospitals.
• Dr Shashi Mohan Sharma is Additional Principal of SMS Medical college and is holding the post of head of the cardiology department. Dr Sharma was the second best choice after Dr US Agrawal for the principal last time. His clean image and vast experience of holding administrative post as additional principal makes Dr Sharma a likely choice for the next bigger post as principal. 
• Dr DS Meena, present medical superintendent of SMS Hospital is also among the front runner. Number of initiatives taken at the hospital during his tenure as MS gives solid ground for his candidature for principal post. He comes from RSS background and if caste equation is considered, Dr Meena would be the top choice.
• Dr Dhananjay Agrawal, senior professor of Nephrology at the SMS Medical College. Though he is not holding any administrative responsibility at present, he is holding the post of secretary of Rajasthan Medical College Teachers association which makes him influential in power and political corridors. Having RSS background also puts weights on his candidature. 
• Dr Vinay Malhotra is the only candidate among the probables who has posting out of Jaipur. Dr Malhotra is currently holding the post of Medical Superintendent at JLN Hospital, Ajmer but as of now, he has been working in Jaipur under work arrangement.

Other applicants in the race

• Dr Sudhir Bhandari
• Dr Deepak Mathur
• Dr SS Sharma
• Dr CM Sharma
• Dr CL Naval

Applications form districts

• Jaipur 32
• Ajmer 12
• Bikaner 09
• Jodhpur 03
• Udaipur 03
• Kota 03
• Churu 01