A series of unusual complaints have triggered an inquiry by the government into the operations of the International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS), including allegations of bribery, improper behavior, and conflicts of interest. The IIPS plays a key role in overseeing the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), providing vital data on population, health, women’s issues, child nutrition, and other areas crucial to government welfare programs.
After months of scrutiny, James finally resigned from his position at IIPS, which was accepted by the Union Health Ministry. He has since taken on a new role as a senior research scholar at an international institute in Austria.
A fact-finding committee found that many of the complaints against James were unwarranted, but some issues did merit further investigation. James submitted a detailed clarification to the health ministry addressing all allegations and concerns raised by various parties.
James became the director of IIPS in 2018, bringing with him a background in population studies and academic leadership. The NFHS, a critical survey on health and nutrition, has highlighted ongoing challenges in child nutrition that need to be addressed.
The Health Ministry suspended James pending further investigation, citing serious irregularities and failures in supervision. The suspension was intended to facilitate a fair and thorough inquiry into the allegations against him.
The fact-finding committee recommended further investigation into several key areas of concern, including discrimination against certain groups, improper appointments, allegations of corruption, and lapses in administrative oversight. James provided explanations and defenses regarding each of these issues.
Overall, the inquiry into James and the functioning of IIPS has raised important questions about governance, accountability, and transparency in public institutions. It remains to be seen how these issues will be resolved and what impact they will have on the future of the organization.
