In the wake of a ‘junior level’ IAS officer posted at a Central Ministry writing to the State principal secretary seeking a status report, a livid Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has vowed to write to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary questioning the propriety of the officer.
“I will write to the Prime Minister questioning the propriety of the officer… Since when have IAS officers started politicking,” Parrikar said.
Deputy secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nandan Singh had written to the State Government seeking a status report on the levy of ‘entry tax’ in the State, which he said was in violation of the National Permit guidelines.
While saying that his office is yet to receive a copy of the letter addressed to the principal secretary transport, Parrikar said that by writing the letter, the official was betraying his ignorance on the issue and was indulging in politicking.
“I have to ask the Prime Minister whether his officials are seeking tickets in the next lok Sabha elections,” Parrikar said.
Mediapersons had sought an answer from the Chief Minister, whether he had responded to the letter from the Centre.
“He is ranked fourth or fifth in the order of seniority,” Parrikar said stating that if at all such an officer was concerned with the State’s development, he should have first sought comments from the State officials before bowing to the All India Motor Transport Congress.
last month, a cash-strapped State Government had imposed an entry fee to the tune of `500 to `1,000 for light and heavy commercial vehicles to enter Goa. The Goa Government expects to net `60 crore annually from the new toll booths which have been installed on all entry points into the State by the transport department.
The All India Motor Congress (AIMC) had however complained to the MoRTH claiming the fee imposed by the Goa Government was illegal. Parrikar, however insists otherwise.
“The fee is charged for the use of State Government’s bridges, roads, etc. If anyone is passing through Goa using the National Highways within four hours, will not be charged any tax,” Parrikar said.