Prof S Rita likely to be replaced
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 23 2016 : While it has turned out that RIMS Director-in-charge Prof S Rita tendered her resignation in February this year under immense pressure from diffe-rent quarters, a new Director-in -charge is likely to be appointed in her place by Monday or Tuesday as a stop-gap arrangement.

Meanwhile, the uncertainty over whether the age of superannuation of RIMS Direc- tor should be 62 years or 65 years has been put to rest and this has paved a way for appointment of a regular Direc- tor for RIMS, sources informed.

Notably, it has been quite a long time RIMS has been functioning without a regular Director.

As per the order which placed Prof S Rita as Director-in-charge of RIMS, she should hold the post until a regular Director is appointed or a new order is issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

However, Prof Rita submitted her resignation letter to the Ministry as she was reportedly unable to bear immense pressure exerted by different quarters.

Subsequent upon the resignation letter, the Ministry initiated due process to appoint a new Director-in -charge.

It also obtained undertakings of four/five officers of RIMS who are said to be potential candidates to occupy the post of Director.

A clear picture about who would become the next Director-in-charge of RIMS may be known by Monday or Tuesday.

The new Director-in-charge would occupy the office only for around three months at the most, said the sources.

Meanwhile, a list of possible candidates for the post of Director-in-charge who are presently serving at RIMS was submitted by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry's Joint Secretary and the Additional Secretary to the Secretary but the list was rejected.

Although a notification was issued in July last year for appointment of a regular Director for RIMS, DPC for appointment of regular Director was kept at bay on account of uncertainty over the age of superannuation.

The matter ultimately reached the Government of India's Cabinet Committee on Appointment and the committee have its approval to extend the age of superannuation for RIMS Director to 65 years.

The committee's approval was conveyed to RIMS authority through a written missive sent by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (North East Division) on April 6 this year.

Subsequently, RIMS Director-in-charge Prof S Rita issued an office memorandum on April 20, the sources added.

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