VS Achuthanandan seeks probe on Chitra degrees to private institutions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Administrative Reforms Commission chairman V. S. Achuthanandan has urged union minister for science and technology Dr Harshvardhan to look into the allegations that Sri Chitra Institute of Medical Science and Technology (SCTIMST) was granting Masters of Public Health Degree (M.P.H) to private institutions.

In a letter to the minister, the veteran leader said that the degrees were being given in violation of all norms.

There are allegations that those at the top positions at the premier institution were behind this and they are allegedly making benefits in an illegal manner. A case has been registered with Lok Ayukta based on similar allegations which have been backed with evidence, he alleged.

SCTIMST director Asha Kishore termed the allegations totally absurd. The institute offers MPH course only through three institutes; CMC Vellore, National Institute of Epidemiology and since 2016 through Indian Institute of Public Health in Delhi which is under Public Health Foundation of India launched by PM. Affiliation was granted by governing body of institute which has DST secretary as member.

The SCTIMST said it is learnt that one of the staff who was served a penalty by external inquiry officer appointed by dept of science and technology had got Mr Achuthanandan to send a letter with copy to news papers, raising false allegations.