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Is Kerala IAS officer N Prasanth in grip of controversy generating syndrome?

By
LO Bureau
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N Prasanth IAS


Kerala IAS officer N Prasanth (IAS:2007:KL) seems to be slipping into a vicious grip of controversy generating syndrome. His irresistible attraction for social media is surely causing consternation in the state bureaucracy.

Despite the state government’s unprecedented move to accommodate his request for live streaming of personal hearing as part of disciplinary proceedings against him, Prasanth refuses to resist his temptation for giving vent to his emotional outburst by making public his defence statements and letters written to the Chief Secretary through social media post.

An unrelenting Prasanth has now uploaded his detailed statements containing damagingly serious allegations of forgery and fabrication of records against IAS officers K Gopalakrishnan (IAS:2013:KL) and his senior A Jayathilak (IAS:1991:KL).

He goes on to allege that both Jayathilak and Gopalakrishnan made deliberate move to manipulate official records, fabricate evidence, and circulate false information to the government and media. He is peeved that despite his detailed complaint no action was taken against them. 

This is happening despite the Chief Secretary accepting Prasanth’s wish for personal hearing and acknowledging it through a letter on April 4. The hearing is scheduled on April 16 at 4.30 pm. Prasanth had communicated to the Chief Secretary demanding disciplinary proceedings against him to be digitally recorded and streamed, which was accepted.

Prasanth even charged the Chief Secretary with openly exhibiting bias and manipulation of records at the behest of Jayathilak and Gopalakrishnan. Despite all this, his wishes were honoured, yet he refuses to relent as an unprovoked aggressor. 
(By Dinesh Kumar, Senior Journalist)

Also Read: For a first in Kerala, disciplinary hearing against IAS officer Prasanth to be audio-visually recorded and streamed

Odisha govt issues posting orders for 28 newly inducted IAS officers

By
LO Bureau
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The Odisha government on Thursday (10.04.2025) issued posting orders for 28 officers of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) who were recently promoted to the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Speculation continues over new IRDAI Chairman

By
LO Bureau
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The Indian insurance industry is agog with speculation as to who will head the Hyderabad based insurance regulator, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). The post fell vacant after Debasish Panda’s three-year tenure expired on Mar 13.

The deadline for applying for the post ended on April 6 itself, but there is no clarity yet as to who will don the hat.

A few names are doing the rounds for the post of IRDAI Chairman. These include Ajay Seth (IAS:1987:KN), the newly-appointed Finance Secretary; Giridhar Aramane (Retd. IAS:1988:AP), former Defence Secretary; and Pankaj Jain (IAS:1990:AM), the current Petroleum Secretary. Seth is unlikely to be shifted from the Finance Secretary’s post.

In addition, Sriram Taranikanti (IAS:1992:TR), current Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) at Mussoorie is another entrant to the race for IRDAI’s Chairmanship. What goes in his favour is the fact that this Tripura cadre IAS officer, had served as an Executive Director of IRDAI for five years between 2011- 2016.

Few names from the private sector being hotly debated are Thomas Devasia, former member, Non-Life, IRDAI and RM Vishakha, former MD & CEO , India First Life.

The government can ill-afford delaying the appointment of a new IRDAI chairman as the Insurance Amendment Bill 2025, that contains several reforms in insurance sector including the one allowing 100 per cent FDI, may be tabled during the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

CMPFO Commissioner VK Mishra repatriated to parent organization

By
LO Bureau
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Vijay Kumar Mishra (CPES:1991), currently serving as Commissioner (Joint Secretary level) in the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO), Ranchi, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent organization. According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday (09.04.2025), the competent authority has approved the Ministry of Coal’s proposal for Mr. Mishra’s repatriation.

M/o Textiles Joint Secretary Rajeev Saxena repatriated to parent cadre

By
LO Bureau
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Indian Railway Stores Service

Rajeev Saxena (IRSS:1995), currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Textiles, has been prematurely repatriated to his parent cadre. According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on Wednesday (09.04.2025), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Textiles to repatriate Mr. Saxena to his parent cadre on personal grounds.

Former CVC Pratyush Sinha to head SEBI panel on conflict of interest and disclosure norms

By
LO Bureau
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The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted a six-member high-level committee to review existing norms related to conflict of interest, and disclosure requirements concerning property, investments, and liabilities of its board members and officials.

Former Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pratyush Sinha (Retd IAS: 1969: BH) will chair the committee. Injeti Srinivas (Retd IAS: 1983: OD), former Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has been appointed as Vice Chairman.

The other members of the committee include:

  • Uday Kotak, Non-Executive Director, Kotak Mahindra Bank
  • G Mahalingam, Former Whole-Time Member, SEBI
  • Sarita Jafa, Former Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General
  • R Narayanaswamy, Former Professor, IIM Bangalore

The panel is expected to submit its recommendations within three months from the date of its constitution. The final report will be placed before the SEBI Board for consideration.

West Bengal passes new rules for DGP appointment

By
LO Bureau
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Indian Police Service

West Bengal has moved to reshape the process for appointing its Director General of Police (DGP). According to reports, the state government has passed new rules that will allow it to bypass the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in selecting its police chief.

Under the revised procedure, a selection committee led by a retired High Court judge will be responsible for appointing the DGP. Other members of the committee will include the Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary, and additional senior officials. The new rules eliminate the earlier requirement of sending a list of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers to the UPSC, which would then shortlist three names for the state government to choose from.

Sources indicate that the new framework is inspired by a 2006 Supreme Court verdict on police reforms, stemming from a petition filed by former Uttar Pradesh DGP Prakash Singh. The judgment recommended that states constitute independent selection panels for DGP appointments.

The new regulations could pave the way for the formal appointment of Rajeev Kumar as the permanent DGP for a two-year term. Kumar, who was named acting DGP in December 2023 after being removed from his post by the Election Commission during the polls, was reinstated to the role after the elections by the Mamata Banerjee-led government.

West Bengal is not alone in this move. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab passed the Punjab Police (Amendment) Bill, 2023, to revise key provisions of the Punjab Police Act, 2007, concerning DGP appointments. That bill was sent to the Governor and subsequently forwarded to the President for consideration. Similarly, Uttar Pradesh implemented new rules last year, while the Jharkhand government announced in January that it would also form a selection committee for appointing its police chief.

CAT sets deadline for DoPT to reallocate IAS officer Siva Sankar Lotheti to Andhra Pradesh

By
LO Bureau
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In a significant development, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in Hyderabad has set a four-week deadline for the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to comply with its earlier directive to reallocate IAS officer Siva Sankar Lotheti (IAS:2013) to the Andhra Pradesh cadre.

The directive came while the tribunal was hearing a contempt petition filed by Siva Sankar, who alleged non-compliance with CAT’s earlier order dated February 28, 2025. In that order, the tribunal had directed the DoPT to consider his Andhra Pradesh domicile and reassign him to the Andhra Pradesh cadre as an insider. The CAT had asked the ministry to issue appropriate orders and communicate the same to the officer within four weeks of receiving the judgment.

A bench comprising Judicial Member Dr. Lata Baswaraj Patne and Administrative Member Varun Sindhu Kul Kaumudi on Wednesday warned the DoPT to ensure full compliance and to submit proof of compliance before the tribunal by June 5. The bench cautioned that failure to implement the order would invite contempt proceedings against the concerned authorities.

For a first in Kerala, disciplinary hearing against IAS officer Prasanth to be audio-visually recorded and streamed

By
LO Bureau
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N Prasanth IAS

In an unprecedented development, a disciplinary hearing against an IAS officer will be audio-visually recorded and streamed in Kerala. The state government agreed to it following a request by suspended IAS officer N Prasanth against whom disciplinary proceedings are to take place on April 16.

Also Read: 2 Kerala IAS officers suspended for creating storm by social media

Further adding to the unusual nature of the proceedings is the decision for Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan to personally conduct the hearing. A govt-appointed designated officer has been normally presiding over such matters. Chief secretary’s direct involvement signals the gravity and sensitivity of the case.

Also Read: Suspended Kerala IAS officer to take legal action against govt order

A 2007-batch IAS officer, Prasanth had objected to the manner in which the disciplinary process against him was being handled. He had raised the issue of constitutional rights, whistleblower protection and administrative fairness.

Also Read: Fight among Kerala bureaucrats now out in the open

According to Prasanth, the disciplinary action stems from social media interactions between individuals and doesn’t involve any violation of conduct rules. He maintains that charges against him are vague, based on unverified digital records and lack the support of any formal complaint. In his submissions, he claimed that no personal harm was alleged by anyone and that the disciplinary authority initiated proceedings on its own, allegedly under the influence of senior bureaucrats with whom he had differences.

Also Read: Suspended Kerala IAS officer now seeks explanation from CS

Prasanth had been suspended for posting derogatory remarks about his two colleagues-A Jayathilak, a 1991-batch officer and, K Gopalakrishnan, a 2013-batch officers and later described the suspension order as procedurally and legally flawed. He even accused the two officers of orchestrating the proceedings against him to settle personal scores.

Also Read: Suspended Kerala IAS officer Prasanth seeks access to digital files

Prasanth virtually wants the public viewing of the proceedings against him and has asked for a copy of the full recording to maintain procedural fairness.

If his demand is accepted it could set a new precedent in administrative accountability within the All India Services framework.

Also Read: Kerala: IAS officer K Gopalkrishnan reinstated, N Prasanth’s suspension extended

Gujarat: 16 IAS officers transferred; 5 Districts get new Collectors

By
LO Bureau
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The Gujarat government on Wednesday (09.04.2025) issued transfer and posting orders for 16 IAS officers across the state. A key highlight of the reshuffle was the appointment of new District Collectors in five districts.

The names of the officers and their postings are as follows;

  1. Dilip Kumar Rana (IAS:2007:GJ), Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Vadodara, has been transferred and posted as Commissioner of Higher Education, Gandhinagar.
  2. Dr. NK Meena (IAS:2010:GJ), Director of Fisheries, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development and Urban Housing Department for appointment as Municipal Commissioner, Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation, Bhavnagar.
  3. Tusharkumar Y Bhatt (IAS-SCS:2010), Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Ltd., Gandhinagar, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Patan.
  4. Manish Kumar (IAS:2013:GJ), Managing Director, Gujarat Livelihood Promotion Company Ltd. Gandhinagar, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Bhavnagar.
  5. Arun Mahesh Babu (IAS:2013:GJ), Managing Director, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Ltd., Mehsana, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development and Urban Housing Department for appointment as Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Vadodara.
  6. RR Damor (IAS-SCS:2013), Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and posted as Joint Secretary, Climate Change Department.
  7. Arvind V (IAS:2014:GJ), Collector, Patan, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Science & Technology Department for appointment as Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Limited, Gandhinagar.
  8. Neha Kumari (IAS:2015:GJ), Collector, Mahisagar, has been transferred and her services are placed at the disposal of Science & Technology Department for appointment as Mission Director, Gujarat State Electronics Mission, Gandhinagar.
  9. Arpit Sagar (IAS:2015:GJ), Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Vadodara, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Mahisagar.
  10. Shalini Duhan (IAS:2016:GJ), Joint Secretary, Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, has been transferred and appointed as Collector, Dangs-Ahwa.
  11. Bhavya Verma (IAS:2016:GJ), Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), Gandhi Nagar, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Valsad.
  12. Ganga Singh (IAS:2017:GJ), Managing Director, Gujarat Medical Services Corporation Ltd., Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Vadodara.
  13. Manish Gurwani (IAS:2017:GJ), Mission Director, Gujarat State Electronics Mission, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Rajkot.
  14. Gaurav Dinesh Ramesh (IAS:2017:GJ), Director, Higher Education, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Surat Municipal Corporation, Surat.
  15. Surabhi Gautam (IAS:2017:GJ), Joint Managing Director, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC), Gandhinagar, has been transferred and her services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Vadodara.
  16. Dr. Prashant Jilova (IAS:2017:GJ), Additional Industries Commissioner, Gandhinagar, has been transferred and his services are placed at the disposal of Urban Development & Urban Housing Department for appointment as Regional Commissioner of Municipalities, Ahmedabad.
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