Senior IAS officer Shashank Misra (IAS:2007:MP), currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Power (MoP), has been appointed as Government Nominee Director on the Board of REC Limited. The appointment, effective immediately, was made by the MoP. Prior to his role in the MoP, Misra has held positions in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, and various capacities within the Madhya Pradesh Government. The Company’s Board of Directors approved his appointment through a circulation resolution on August 23, 2023. To formalize the appointment, an Ordinary Resolution is proposed to be passed at the 54th AGM scheduled for September 6, 2023.
Modi govt explores extending retirement age for PSB Heads, MDs and LIC Head
The Modi government is contemplating the possibility of extending the retirement age for top positions within public sector banks (PSBs) and the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).
Reports indicate that Dinesh Khara, Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI), might receive an extension. Having assumed the role in October 2020 for a three-year term, Khara’s tenure aligns with the SBI Chairman’s customary service span, which extends until the age of 63. Khara will reach this age milestone in August of the upcoming year.
Currently set at 60 years, the retirement age for chiefs of PSBs is reportedly under consideration for an increase to 62 years, sources suggest.
Similarly, there exists a proposal to elevate the retirement age of the LIC Chairman from the current 62 years to 65 years.
Bihar govt issues guidelines to prevent departmental interference by private secretaries of ministers
The Bihar government has taken a decisive step to maintain the integrity of ministerial operations. Guidelines have been issued to departmental heads concerning the roles of both external and official private secretaries (PS) of cabinet ministers. In an effort to establish clarity, State Chief Secretary Amir Subhani has directed that external PS, appointed based on ministerial advice, should refrain from engaging in official work. Instead, official PS from the state administrative service will be entrusted with assisting ministers in their official tasks. This directive is a response to historical ambiguity in work divisions and previous incidents that prompted the need for a delineation.
One such incident involved a private secretary (PS) external to the education minister, whose involvement in departmental affairs garnered objections. This interference led to the education minister’s absence from the office for a span of three weeks. The issue emerged when the aforementioned external PS took it upon themselves to intervene in departmental matters. On July 5, the PS penned a letter to Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) K K Pathak, voicing concerns about negative media coverage and the leakage of official communications. In response, the department asserted that the PS should not directly communicate with government officials and criticized their dispatch of “useless letters” that consumed officials’ time. Consequently, the education minister opted to distance themselves from the office for a duration of three weeks.
The newly established guidelines clearly define the roles: administrative service PS will manage interdepartmental communications, while external PS will concentrate on non-governmental functions of the minister. This initiative is designed to curtail unnecessary intervention and facilitate seamless departmental operations.
Assam: Three IAS officers assigned additional responsibilities
The Assam government has released orders for the transfer and posting of three IAS officers, entrusting them with additional responsibilities.
The names of the officers and their postings are as follows :
- Ravi Shankar Prasad (IAS:1990:AM), Environment & Forest, Soil Conservation Departments and Director General, Assam Administrative Staff College, has been given additional charge of Chairman, Assam Administrative Tribunal.
- Dr. John Berchmans Ekka (IAS:1995:AM), Principal Secretary, Panchayat & Rural Development and Tea Tribes Welfare Departments, has been given additional charge of Principal Secretary, Tourism Department.
- Kausar Jamil Hilaly (IAS:2012:AM), Secretary, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, has been given additional charge of Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment Department.
Punjab: MS Chhina promoted to ADGP rank
The Punjab government on Wednesday (23.08.2023) announced the promotion of Mr. Mukhwinder Singh Chhina (IPS:1997:PB), Inspector General (IG) of Patiala Range, to the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). During his tenure as IG of Patiala Range, Mr. Chhina adeptly managed numerous critical law and order situations, notably including the Dera Sacha Sauda crisis in Bathinda and the Kali Mata Mandir crisis in Patiala. His leadership was pivotal in effectively addressing the farmers’ agitation at the PSPCL headquarters in Patiala.
Mr. Chhina’s achievements also extend to his recognition with the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service.
SC upholds bail for former Andaman and Nicobar CS Jitendra Narain
The Supreme Court has dismissed all petitions requesting the annulment of the bail granted by the Calcutta High Court circuit bench to Jitendra Narain (IAS:1990:AGMUT), an IAS officer under suspension. Narain, along with his co-accused officials, is facing grave allegations of gang rape against a woman, perpetrated under the guise of a job opportunity. The apex court’s ruling sustains the bail awarded to Jitendra Narain, the former Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, even as investigations into the distressing rape case continue.
The decision from the Supreme Court comes after a period of extensive legal deliberation. Earlier, on August 1, the court had reserved its judgment on a plea challenging the bail granted to Narain. A division bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah had heard arguments presented by both the State and the legal representatives of the victim.
As per reports, a young woman was enticed to the official residence of the suspended IAS officer with the assurance of a government job, only to become a victim of rape at the hands of multiple individuals, including Jitendra Narain himself. These allegations prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the matter, leading to Narain’s arrest on November 10 of the preceding year. The SIT’s exhaustive 935-page charge sheet was filed on February 3.
The Port Blair circuit bench of the Calcutta High Court had granted bail to Narain on February 20, a decision that has now been upheld by the Supreme Court.
The case against Narain, as well as his co-accused individuals such as businessman Sandeep Singh, also known as Rinku, and suspended labor commissioner Rishishwarlal Rishi, encompasses a range of charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code. These charges include rape, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, defamation, and tampering with evidence.
UP: IAS officer Navdeep Rinwa will be new Chief Electoral Officer
The Election Commission of India has provided its endorsement for the appointment of Mr. Navdeep Rinwa (IAS:1999:UP) as the upcoming Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Uttar Pradesh. His nomination has been chosen from a pool of three potential candidates. Mr. Rinwa presently holds the position of Divisional Commissioner in Aligarh and is set to succeed Mr. Ajay Kumar Shukla (IAS:2001:UP), who has been fulfilling the role of CEO in Uttar Pradesh since August 9, 2019.
Early retirement granted to senior IAS officer Amar Nath as govt approves VRS application
If credible sources are to be believed, the Central Government has granted approval to the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) application of Mr. Amar Nath (IAS:1994:AGMUT), a remarkable civil servant. This decision has allowed him to retire a noteworthy six years before his scheduled retirement date. Mr. Nath officially concluded his tenure on August 17, bidding farewell to his distinguished career.
Presently, Mr. Amar Nath holds the position of Additional Secretary within the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (D/o AR&PG). His recent extension in Central Deputation, which had initially been set to conclude on May 31, 2023, was granted an additional three-month period. This extension was granted either until his impending retirement, as sanctioned through his voluntary retirement application, or until a date preceding that, if applicable.
Reliable reports indicate that the government’s decision to accept his VRS application has given Mr. Amar Nath the liberty to depart from his dedicated service. Notably, his preceding role encompassed serving as Additional Secretary within the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, further underscoring his diverse and impactful contributions to various sectors of governance.
Odisha: IPS officer Brijesh Rai shifted amidst controversy
Amidst a storm of controversy, the Odisha government has taken action by transferring Angul DIG Brijesh Rai IPS to the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack. The move comes in response to serious allegations of torture and abuse raised against Rai and his wife by a woman homeguard stationed at their residence.
The victim, who suffered the loss of both her legs, attributed her tragic circumstances to the alleged torment she endured in the household of the DIG. She detailed her harrowing experience, describing an attempt to end her life on a railway track due to the unbearable abuse she claims to have suffered. This distressing incident has sparked outrage and concern, prompting heightened scrutiny of the Odisha Police Department’s internal affairs.
The matter has garnered the attention of the Odisha Human Rights Commission, underlining the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation.
As part of the official response, the Home Department has not only transferred Rai to a different post but also initiated a wider reassessment of the police’s handling of such cases. According to the directive issued by the Director General of Police (DGP), IPS officer Jai Narayan Pankaj from the 2005 batch has been appointed to take over Rai’s position. Currently serving as the Inspector General of Police for the Special Task Force (STF), Pankaj will assume additional responsibilities, including overseeing the North Central Range, Talcher, and serving as the Principal of the Police Training College (PTC) in Angul, in conjunction with his existing duties.
The ordeal faced by the woman homeguard has shed light on the challenges faced by those within law enforcement and the necessity for comprehensive reforms to ensure the well-being and rights of all personnel.
MHA issues warning to IPS officers for low attendance in mandatory training, threatens promotion consequences
Expressing concern over the inadequate participation of IPS officers in mandatory training courses vital for their promotions, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has dispatched a communication to all states and Union Territories cautioning against such neglect. The lackluster attendance has been noted particularly in Mid-Career Training Programmes (MCTPs) and Induction Training Courses (ITCs), which are obligatory for securing promotions.
Recent reports indicate that the MHA is contemplating the implementation of stricter measures if this trend persists. As the authoritative body overseeing the cadre of IPS officers, the MHA has taken notice that around 785 eligible IPS officers have not yet fulfilled their compulsory MCTP-III, a scenario that runs contrary to the established Gol Rules and guidelines. Likewise, 529 and 292 eligible IPS officers are yet to complete their mandatory MCTP-IV and MCTP-V, respectively.
In an earnest communication, the MHA has alerted state governments about the potential ramifications of officers bypassing these training programs. The MHA’s letter underscores the significance of adhering to Rule 3 (2) (iv) of the IPS (Pay) Rules and Rule 5 (4) of the IPS (Probation) Rules, 1954, which dictate that IPS officers must successfully undertake prescribed training programmes (MCTPs/ITCs) within stipulated service timelines. Failure to comply may result in these officers being disqualified from progressing to higher grades or receiving increments. The letter emphasizes that officers reaching their 9th, 16th, and 26th years of service might face hindrances in their promotions or increments should they fail to attend the designated phases of MCTPs/ITCs.
Reports highlight that the persistently low attendance has disrupted the year-long training calendar. Some courses have even garnered single-digit applications, underscoring the severity of the issue. Surprisingly, even directives from the Prime Minister and the Home Ministry have not managed to significantly boost attendance rates.
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