The allegations are centred on the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Bandipora, with several health employees accusing him of manipulating attendance records and seeking money for sanctioning leave or overlooking absenteeism. The BMO could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.

 

During a visit to the Health and Wellness Centre at Duban, this correspondent found the facility unattended during official working hours, with no employee present.

 

However, when contacted, the BMO shared geo-tagged attendance records claiming the staff members were present on official duty.

 

During the inquiry, the Mid-Level Health Provider (MLHP) posted at the centre allegedly told this correspondent over the phone that she was at home and had not attended duty that day. At around the same time, the BMO produced a geo-tagged photograph showing her present in his office on official work.

 

In another instance, an FMPHW was allegedly seen by this correspondent rushing to the health centre on a scooter at around 12.45 pm after learning that media personnel had reached the facility. Meanwhile, the BMO had marked her attendance through a geo-tagged image showing her on official assignment at a local school.

 

The alleged discrepancies have raised questions over the authenticity of the digital attendance system and its implementation in the health block.

 

Residents alleged that several Primary Health Centres and Health and Wellness Centres in the block frequently remain without doctors or paramedical staff during official working hours, forcing patients to return without treatment.

 

"The attendance shown on paper does not match the ground situation. Patients suffer because there is nobody to attend them," a resident alleged.

 

Several health employees, requesting anonymity, claimed that money was allegedly sought in exchange for approving leave or ignoring absenteeism.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThey alleged that employees who refused to comply were issued repeated notices, subjected to inquiries or faced administrative pressure.

 

Female employees also alleged that they had received late-night calls from the BMO, describing the calls as inappropriate and demanding an impartial investigation. 

 

They urged the authorities to examine call records as part of any inquiry.

 

Employees further alleged that some Mid-Level Health Providers had remained absent from duty for months without sanctioned leave or disciplinary action, raising concerns over administrative oversight and accountability.

 

The allegations have also triggered questions among residents over the BMO's prolonged tenure in the same post, with some alleging the existence of a nexus between certain officials and employees. These allegations remain unverified.

 

Employees and local residents have demanded a high-level inquiry into the functioning of the Bandipora health block, including verification of attendance records, inspection of health institutions and investigation into allegations of corruption, absenteeism and workplace harassment.

 

Meanwhile, the BMO Bandipora rejected all the allegations, stating that the employees are posted at their respective places of duty. He said that some staff members may be assigned to other official responsibilities, including Muharram-related duties or other government work, and therefore may not be present at their designated stations on a particular day.

 

Responding to the allegations of attendance manipulation, the BMO said the matter would be investigated and that anyone found to have manipulated attendance records or marked fake attendance would face action.

 

Denying the allegations of demanding money from employees, the BMO categorically rejected the claims, saying that he only asks employees to complete their assigned work and that those failing to do so would face appropriate action.(KNS).