Srinagar, May 18: The Legislative Assembly Friday ordered an in-house probe into the disturbing infant deaths at GB Pant hospital.
Legislative Assembly Speaker Muhammad Akbar Lone ordered institution of inquiry into the alarming deaths by a House panel following a petition filed by two PDP legislators. “I had already taken suo-moto cognizance of the serious matter and today two of the legislators from the opposition filed a petition seeking a thorough probe. I directed the Estimates Committee of the Assembly to look into the matter which will also recommend punishment for the guilty,” Lone told Greater Kashmir.
The petition was filed by PDP legislators Peerzada Mansoor Hussain and Basharat Bukhari.
On the constitution of the Committee, Lone said; “It will be an 11-member committee and I have asked them to come up with thorough report. The committee comprises senior legislators including Chaudhary Muhammad Ramzan – who is also the chairman of the panel, Dr Mustafa Kamal and Harsh Dev Singh besides the petitioners,” the Speaker said.
“The Estimates Committee largely deals with financial matters and comprises veteran legislators. They would thoroughly probe the matter,” he said.
One of the petitioners – Peerzada Mansoor Hussain said the government did not exercise its powers properly and attaching the erring officials was no remedy. “This sort of mess and carelessness is the biggest issue people are facing right now and our children are dying so callously. Ordering an in-house probe is what could take the matter to its logical conclusion,” Mansoor told Greater Kashmir.
“Mere attachment of those involved in the matter is not the solution. Government did nothing tangible as of now. It has to do something more,” he said.
The petitioner said deaths of children due to the negligence of hospital authorities and administrative failure were shocking. “Death toll is increasing shockingly and it has to be dealt with sooner the better,” Mansoor said.
He said the Speaker was humble enough to entertain the petition and was himself also concerned about the matter. Directing Estimates Committee to look into the matter is a good step,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 18 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 IST