Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Campaign Committee chairperson Bijay Patnaik on Tuesday moved the Centre alleging blatant violation of All India Service Conduct Rules (AISCR) by 5T Secretary VK Pandian.
In a letter to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Patnaik sought an inquiry against the officer and appropriate measures.
In his letter, Patnaik claimed that the name of VK Pandian appears in hoardings bearing the BJD symbol Conch at Hatibadi Road, Ram Nagar, Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district. The hoarding proclaims that Rs 20 lakh has been sanctioned for a church during Pandian’s visit which is a clear violation of Rule 5 of AISCR.
“Any Secretary to the Government who is a party to such announcement without following rules of expenditure sanction is liable for disciplinary action,” Patnaik stated in the letter.
He further alleged that the 5T Secretary goes to public meetings and claims that he has been deputed by the Chief Minister to represent the latter in making announcement of grants. No serving officer is permitted under the Conduct Rules to represent a political functionary in public meeting.
“Since the alleged officer is presently working as the private secretary to the Chief Minister of Odisha, it is futile to expect the Chief Minister to take action against the concerned officer for such violation of the Rules,” Patnaik’s letter added.