No political interference in higher educational centres,Prof Hasnain

Ranchi, July 10 (UNI) Member of scientific advisory council to Prime Minister Professor Seyed Ehteshan Hasnain said today that higher education institutions should be completely free of political interferences.

Referring to the recent stand off between AIIMS director Dr P Venugopal and Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, in which the Centre unceremoniously dismissed Dr Venugopal, Prof Hasnain told UNI that political leaders must ensure that premier institutions are run by competent people.

He said such practices act as stumbling blocks in the growth of the premier institutions.

Prof Hasnain, Vice-Chancellor of Hyderabad University, expressing concern over the lack of political wisdom and will power of the leaders, said this led to the near demise of many prestigious institutions in Bihar and some parts of the country.

He said Dr Venugopal is an eminent cardiologist and scientist, who made remarkable contribution using stem cells in heart treatment.

Referring to his own stint as director of Hyderabad's CDFD where DNA tests are conducted, Prof Hasnain said he never allowed political interferences in his institute.

He has delivered a speech at a reception ceremony yesterday, which was jointly organised by the Jharkhand unit of Indian Medical Association and Yugantar Bharti here.

UNI PRS JYN PL DB1539