An allegation of irregularities in the appointment of the Director of the Institute on Management of Agriculture Extension (IMAGE) under the Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment Department has come to the fore.
According to the allegation, rules and guidelines were not followed in the recent promotion of the Deputy Directors of Agriculture (DDA) to Joint Director of Agriculture (JDA) posts under the Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production.
As per the Government notification no. 8874 dated May 30, 2017, four DDAs were promoted to the rank of JDA and posted against the five existing vacancies in the Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production while the post of Director, IMAGE kept still vacant, best known to the authorities.
But to the astonishment of many, the post was filled up after 12 days of the above notification by promoting Dr Bimalananda Dash, the continuing in-charge Director IMAGE to JDA cadre and posting in the same post.
Das was promoted despite the fact that he had a track record of illegal activities. While working as Agronomist in Minor Irrigation & Water Use department, Dash had allegedly abused his official power in appointment of a Grade IV employee in contravention to the instructions issued by the General Administration Department. As it was proved, the Government had issued an order to stop two annual increments of Dash on November 20 2007. This was again confirmed when Dash appealed to the Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment Principal Secretary to set aside imposition of the penalty. The OPSC also hailed the order. Besides, this he has also many allegations against him.
Now, it is being discussed in official circles as to how Dash was given crucial IMAGE Director Post.
Many have also demanded that Dash be removed from the Director post and an honest officer be posted to avoid possible gross financial irregularities.