In a surprising move, Governor Ram Naik has reportedly sought report from the State government regarding service extension of a few selected officers of Indian Administrative Services (IAS) and Provincial Civil Services (PCS) cadre officers, including CM secretary Shambhu Singh Yadav, CM OSD Jagdev Singh Yadav and Minorities Welfare and Urban Development Secretary, S P Singh. The move was made by Naik on the complaint of social activist Nutan Thakur.
The Governor’s instructions have been communicated to the staff officer to Chief Secretary, saying that the matter be brought personally in the notice of the Chief Secretary. But, no official confirmation has been made over his instruction. In a complaint to Naik, Nutan Thakur claimed to have presented the dangers of clandestinely appointing these selected officers, saying the state government is offering this award only to politically loyal officers without following a definite process. These officers are more loyal to the political masters than the public, affecting public interest and sending wrong signal among bureaucrats.
Calling the appointment of such OSDs to Secretary level posts in extremely critical and sensitive vigilance, confidential and finance departments dangerous for the state’s interest, she has prayed for removing them immediately. It may be mentioned that a Public Interest litigation (PIl) has been also filed regarding three months extension given to director general of police, AK Jain. The High Court had summoned a reply in this regard from the state government before taking any decision on the matter.