Yasmin Singh, wife of former principal secretary, Aman Singh refuted state government’s claim that her appointment was “improper.”
Singh said she was ready to face any enquiry and would also prosecute complainant, who are trying to defame her.
The state government has ordered an inquiry against Singh. Principal Secretary Skill Development, Technical Education and Employment Renu G Pillay has been asked to lead the investigation.
As per an order released by home department, Singh was appointed as Director CCUD in PHE department in 2005 though she did not possess required qualifications.
“She was selected for the post just because she was wife of Aman Singh,” the order said.
At the time of appointment, she got Rs 35,000 per month, which was silently increased to Rs 1 lakh a month. She worked on contractual basis for 14 years but most of her work was publicized as a Kathak dancer, the order stated.
“At a time when several senior artistes in the state craved for work, she was paid Rs 1.50 to Rs 2 lakh for each programme. She was also invited to perform by different departments on high remuneration,” the order said.
As per the order, the PHE department had extended her appointment till October 12, 2018. However, the department does not have any record of her work, leave granted to her, permission given to her to perform etc, the order mentioned.
Reacting over the charges, Singh in a press note said: “I want to categorically and unequivocally state that all such allegations are false, baseless and motivated. The state government has all the records which show that I was appointed as per norms, after following an open, transparent and due process and with the approval of the competent authority.”
“My pay was also fixed with the approval of the finance department. In any case, I did not appoint myself. Therefore, if the state government had any concerns with respect to my appointment, it should have asked the appropriate authorities who were responsible for appointing me. The allegation that I received undue benefits from the government is also false and baseless,” she added.