Probe ordered into sexual harassment charges against Director Health Kashmir

Srinagar, Oct 29: On the directions of the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat Office, Health and Medical Education Department has ordered a probe into sexual harassment charges against Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Samir Mattoo.
Lieutenant Governor’s Principal Secretary Nitishwar Kumar (IAS) has written to Chief Secretary and Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education to get the allegations probed by ‘Internal Complaint Committee’ and submit a report within 7 days. He has also stayed the transfer order of the female consultant, who was transferred to SDH Kunzar by the incumbent Director Health without following norms.
The ‘Internal Complaint Committee’ which has been constituted to probe into sexual harassment complaints in the Health Department is headed by Satvir Kour Sudan-Director General P&S, Health and Medical Education Department and its members are Dr Samia Rashid, Principal Government Medical College Srinagar, Dr Reenu Sharma, Director Health Services, Jammu.
Pertinently, a female consultant has leveled serious charges of sexual harassment against incumbent Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Samir Mattoo in Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat Office.
Muhammad Iqbal Lone Under Secretary to Government Health and Medical Education Department in communiqué to Chairperson ‘Complaint Committee’, Satvir Kour Sudam has asked her to probe into the allegations in a time bound manner.
“Madam, I am directed to invite your attention towards the subject about complaint submitted by Consultant MCH regarding sexual harassment against Dr. Samir Mattoo, Director Health Services Kashmir and i request you to enquire the issue in terms of Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) constituted by the H&ME Department vide Government Order No. 818 JK (HME) of 2020 dated 23.10.2020. The complaint along with allied documents, as received, are enclosed for further necessary action.” (KNT)