On Dr Venugopal’s threat of resignation, he said: ‘‘Anybody is welcome to resign if he wants to. He should just resign and not lobby like this.’’

Reacting to the allegation of making administrative changes without consulting the director, the minister said it was his prerogative.

‘‘If the director goes on vacation for months, I can’t wait for his return,’’ he said. Ramadoss said that this issue was a continuation of the reservation issue. ‘‘People who were instigating the anti-reservation protests are instigating this issue as well. Everybody is not supporting the director,’’ he said.

‘‘During the last two years, there has been a systematic undermining of the institute and the authority of the director... Things were getting out of control.’’

— Dr Venugopal

‘‘The administration at AIIMS had completely collapsed in the past two years and more so for past two months. The public opinion of AIIMS is going down.’’

— Dr Ramadoss

The last round

• September 2005

AIIMS Director recommends Head of Cardiology Dr K.S. Reddy for the post of dean. Followed by Dr T.D. Dogra, head of forensic medicine, the seniormost faculty member.

A Search committee which includes Secretary, Health and DGHS formed.

• May 1, 2006

Dr R.C. Deka, 24th on seniority list, appointed dean.

May 20

Minister directs director, AIIMS, to give show-cause notices to 12 faculty members for instigating anti-reservation protests.

May 29

Secretary directs AIIMS head to warn faculty members.

May 31

AIIMS head asked to take action against the medical superintendent for instigating the faculty to join the hunger strike. AIIMS head accused of siding with agitating students.

... contd.