Maximum Strict Action Will Be Taken Against Gazetted Officers In 2021 In Light Of IAS Officer Narain’s Suspension
Since the Narendra Modi administration took office, the home ministry has adopted the most stringent measures possible against gazetted officers (GOs).
Delinquent officers received the harshest penalties in 2021 under Amit Shah’s leadership as home minister, according to the home ministry’s annual report.
Last year, 10 GOs—the greatest number to date—were subject to termination, removal, and forced retirement. Two officers have to quit their positions each year in 2020 and 2019. But in 2018, when most officers received punishment, there were just five forced retirements, removals, or dismissals. Only one officer was let go from the service in 2017, however, no one was fired or forced to resign. Additionally, fewer than four officers were disciplined in previous years.
The data reveals that, on average, since 2021, the home ministry has taken strict action against one gazetted officer per week, including removal, dismissal, and forced retirement in the wake of senior IAS officer Jitendra Narain’s suspension over a sexual assault allegation.
Between April 1 and December 31, 2021, 237 disciplinary cases and 249 vigilance cases involving gazetted personnel were submitted, according to the MHA’s annual report. In 2021, the ministry prosecuted 52 gazetted personnel implicated in 48 cases. Although the number of non-gazetted officers is high, 4,114 of them will be subject to action in 2021, primarily for recovery from pay.
As a form of retribution, the central government demoted or reduced the pay of nearly 19 officers.
There are two categories of penalties: minor and major. The former includes criticism and warnings, whereas the latter includes removal, termination, and forced retirement.
Importantly, only four gazetted officers received warnings and reprimands from the government in 2021. It’s interesting that no complaints or case transfers occurred last year.
The government decided to punish certain policemen severely by removing them from their positions and terminating their employment.
The ministry of home affairs has suspended a senior IAS Jitendra Narain officer who is being investigated for alleged involvement in a gang rape. Narain, a senior IAS officer from the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-and-Union Territory cadre, has reportedly been suspended immediately based on a report provided by the Andaman and Nicobar police, according to the MHA.
A Joint Secretary level employee serves as the part-time Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Proper) and is in charge of the vigilance set up within the ministry.
The Intelligence Agencies conduct positive screening for the officers and staff conducting sensitive tasks. There are lists of officers whose integrity is dubious and an Agreed List. They are periodically reviewed in collaboration with the Central Bureau of Investigation and the relevant organizations. The probity-related issues are followed up on through routine meetings with the vigilance officers of the ministry’s attached and subordinate offices and organizations.
Additionally, it stated that the ministry gives due priority to vigilance and disciplinary cases resulting from complaints, reports, and internal investigations. According to the applicable service rules, the cases against indiscreet officials are forwarded to the cadre authorities for further action.
News Mania Desk
