DCI membership poll rigged, allege dentists

The dentist fraternity has made a scathing attack on the president of the Dental Council of India alleging that norms and procedures were flouted in the recently-concluded process for electing members to the council.

The dentists have alleged that fake ballot papers were submitted to the Returning Officer on Monday, the day of the elections. “The ballot papers comprised of 16 pages were not enclosed in their original form, and also the serial numbers of the ballot paper do not tally,” alleged Dr Anil Kumar Chandana, Vice President of Delhi State Dental Council.

Dentists who carry a quality experience of more than 15 years and hold a prestigious position of a principal or vice-principal in any of the dental colleges in India are eligible to apply for membership in the Dental Council of India. The recent elections were conducted for three vacant seats in the Council on July 16. The doctors have shown grave concern that rights of natural justice for eligible candidates were infringed because of the unfair means and practices during the process of the elections. In a letter written to the Health Min Ghulam Nabi Azad, they demanded a re-election.