DyMC’s resignation accepted within 48 hours

Surat: The standing committee of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) on Friday accepted the resignation of deputy commissioner (health) Dr Ashish Naik. In one of the fastest decisions of its kind, the resignation was processed and approved within two days. The proposal was prepared on Thursday, a public holiday, and was presented as an additional agenda item during the standing committee meeting.
According to the proposal, Dr Naik cited health reasons for stepping down. His resignation triggered an emotional response in the health department office on the second floor of the SMC headquarters. Many staff members—from attendants to senior officials—were seen wiping their eyes as news of the acceptance spread.
Dr Naik had requested municipal commissioner Shalini Agarwal and Standing Committee chairman Rajan Patel to relieve him of his duties immediately, asking that the mandatory notice period be waived. He also consented to have the corresponding salary amount deducted in lieu of the notice period. The standing committee approved both requests.
At present, City engineer Jatin Desai is overseeing the responsibilities of the health department. The other departments previously under Dr Naik's charge—such as hospitals and the Swachh Bharat Mission—will be reassigned to different officials.