Violation of Government norms and Cabinet decisions by National Highways Authorities has irked the Centre yet again.
In a recent order dated November 5, 2013, the Ministry of Roads, Transport and Highways (MoRTH) relieved PC Grover- a senior general manager (Human Resources/ Administration) on contract- of his additional charge which was granted to him “illegally.” Two more general managers on contract were asked to report to member administration, a permanent employee.
On October 22, last month, The Pioneer had reported that the Ministry had been receiving several complaints of irregularities involved in transfer, postings, promotions and appointments of officers at NHAI and frequent misleading agendas for Board Meetings put up by the NHAI board.
As a fall out Minister MoRTH Oscar Fernandes had directed NHAI chairman RP Singh in an order asked NHAI “to put up all administrative and vigilance matters, including promotions, transfers and postings of all officers and staff, pertaining to MoRTH and NHAI for minister’s approval.”
last month, MoRTH secretary Vijay Chibber had apprised NHAI chairman Singh, that PC Grover, CGM (legal) was holding additional charge of CGM (HR) for over 21 months. “Both the posts of CGM (HR) and CGM (legal) are permanent posts sanctioned by the Cabinet. CGM (legal) can be taken on contract for short term basis only, however, the same regulation is not being followed by NHAI,” said Chibber in his letter.
“The directions of the PMO communicated to build a permanent cadre of the NHAI have also not been complied with by the NHAI. Apart from the above agenda items, the decision taken in NHAI Executive Committee regarding merger of posts at the level of CGMs is a gross violation of Cabinet decision taken for creation of these posts of CGMs,” he wrote.