Durga Shakti Nagpal, the IAS officer who was suspended by the Uttar Pradesh Government last month, has now received support from Odisha. The IAS Association, Odisha Branch has passed a resolution expressing “deep anguish” over the suspension of the young and upright officer.
The association at anextraordinary meeting held here chaired by Sangram Kesari Mishra, Principal Secretary, Pension and Public Grievances, urged the UP Government to revoke the suspension immediately to restore the morale of an upright officer who has been penalised for performing her duty.
Association secretary Madhu Sudan Padhi moved the resolution, which was adopted by more than 30 members present at the meeting. The Resolution urged the Union Government to intervene effectively in the issue so that young officers working in the field are encouraged to perform their duties with zeal and dignity.
It further urged the Government of India to have a fresh look at the Rules governing All India Service (AIS) Officers so as to safeguard them against such victimisation.
There was a view at the meeting that as the AIS officers are the officers of the Union Government and their services are placed with a State Government, the trend should be reversed on deputation count.
Instead of sending to State Governments, the Union Government should depute the officers for a five-year term to any State and the AIS officers should remain with the Union Government.
Secondly, it was pointed out that the Union Government needs to relook at the Rules of Suspension of AIS officers though suspension is not a punishment as per the CCA Rules, but practically it is more than punishment.
Association members commended the steps taken by the Central IC & AS Association on the issue of Durga Nagpal.It may be noted that Nagpal (28), SDM, Noida, was suspended from her office on the charge that she endangered communal harmony by ordering the demolition of the wall of a new mosque being built without permission on public land.
The UP Government headed by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party has, on the other hand, denounced the allegation that it was Nagpal’s campaign to stop illegal sand mining that resulted in the action against her.
All over India, support is pouring in for this young officer, who tried to take on the mafias endangering the environment of the State. Treasurer of the IAS Association, Odisha, R Santhanagopalan thanked the members who turned out in large numbers to extend their support for an upright officer.