IAS officers in Odisha are unhappy over the remarks of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan against a senior colleague of theirs.
The Odisha IAS Officers’ Association led by Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik alleging that Pradhan “personally targeted” the senior IAS officer at the inaugural function of the National Data Centre of NIC here on Monday.
"Union Petroleum Minister personally targeted a senior IAS officer of the State Government, who was attending the function on invitation,” the association said in a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister.
Pradhan took the name of Ashok Kumar Meena at least for three times and made remarks referring to the Chief Minister's Office. Meena, Electronics & Information Technology, General Administration and Finance Secretary, was present at the meeting.
later, Meena, presenting a dignified posture, said the State Government is always cooperating with the Union Government in undertaking development projects in the State.
The IAS officers’ body also alleged that several such incidents have been reported by the field functionaries and this has vitiated the working atmosphere with a demoralising effect on the officers and employees of the State Government.
In the memorandum, the association said that in a democratic polity, division of powers between the political executive and the permanent executive is the bedrock of administrative framework. Both the organs have to work in tandem to achieve the objective of creating maximum good for the maximum people; and in doing so should be guided only by the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. This harmonious relationship has existed since Independence till date and is one of the greatest strengths of the Indian democracy. The Constitution provides adequate safeguards to ensure both the wings of the Government enjoy the powers defined within their jurisdictions and do the same with dignity, the memorandum stated, adding that mutual respect and confidence on each other further strengthens the relationship and also efficacy of the system to deliver.
However, recent episodes in Odisha and other parts of the country, wherein officers, while discharging their professional duties, have been personally attacked by senior members of the political executive, which is a direct attempt to defy the Constitutional values, the memorandum said.
Condemning such incidents, the association appealed the Chief Minister to take up the matter at the appropriate level so that such incidents are not repeated in future. Besides, the OAS Association and the OFS Association also submitted similar memoranda to the Chief Minister.