Another nepotism row erupts as A K Balan’s wife get govt post

Kochi: A new controversy has erupted over the appointment of Minister A K Balan’s wife and former health director P K Jameela as management consultant of the department‘s Aardram Mission.

There were three candidates for the post but only Jameela went through the interview. Another candidate who was present at the venue where the interview was conducted, returned after knowing that the Minister’s wife was being interviewed.

This is an apparent breach of the government’s assurance that the kin of those in key posts will not get any priority treatment after former Industries Minister E P Jayarajan resigned following a nepotism row.

The task of the management consultant is to coordinate work at primary health centres and taluk hospitals as part of the Aardram project. The Health Department had invited applications from those who have experience as hospital superintendent. Appointment is on a one-year contract.