312 top officers dismissed from service by Govt.

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

312 top officers dismissed from service by Govt.

Conduct of 1.20 lakh officers reviewed, says PM

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, July 10

The government today disclosed that disciplinary provisions have been invoked against as many as 125 Group-A officers and 187 Group B officers.

Though news regarding pre-mature retirement/dismissal of only two dozen officers of the Indian Revenue Services and Customs had come to light. But the government said the total number of officers against whom dismissal/pre-mature retirement proceedings initiated under rule 56 (J) had been invoked.

In fact, in a major disclosure, the Prime Minister also disclosed that the government reviewed the conduct and functioning of as many as 36,756 Group-A and 82,654 Group-B

officers under FR 56(j). The review of almost 1.20 lakh officers in services was reviewed for the period between July 2014-May 2019.

And out of these action was initiated against 312 officers.

Disclosing this in the Lok Sabha today, the Prime Minister said in a written reply As per the applicable Disciplinary Rules, Government has the right to proceed

against corrupt officials on the basis of available evidence. The Government also, has the

absolute right to retire Government officials prematurely on the ground of lack of integrity and

ineffectiveness, in public interest, as per the provisions of Fundamental Rules (FR) 56(j)(l), Rule 48 of Central Civil Services (CCS) Pension) Rules, 1972 and Rule 16(3) (Amended ) of All India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) [AIS(DCRB)] Rules, 1958. These rules lay down the policy of periodic review and premature retirement of Government servants, which is a

continuous process.

The PM was responding to a question asked by A Raja (DMK) who wanted to know whether the Government has ordered compulsory retirement to some of the Government officials across the country and whether the Government has ordered compulsory retirement to those officials also against whom charges have not been proven so far and their case are still under trial.

The government said that it had right to take action against the officers whose integrity was considered doubtful and due to other reasons.

Modi placates Parrikar, Gives more buying power

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Modi placates Parrikar, Gives more buying power

But Parrikar wants to return to Goa

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Feb 13

It came as a shot in the arm of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. In a recent order, Prime Minister Narendra Modi armed Parrikar with enormous financial powers and more leeway to improve defence procurement and services.

In a far reaching development, the Prime Minister enhanced Parrikar’s financial muscle four fold in one go. The Defence Ministers prior to Parrikar, had the financial power to purchase defence equipment & systems for Rs 500 crores only at their level.

However, Parrikar was handed down the power to purchase defence systems & platform to the tune of Rs 2000 crores. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared this proposal last week brought before it by the PMO. After this order, Parrikar need not go to the Cabinet or any other ministry seeking sanction before buying equipment upto Rs 2000 crores. Parrikar was also given additional power to purchase equipment worth Rs 3000 crores. However, Parrikar will require the sanction of the Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley for purchases above Rs 2000 crores to Rs 3000 crores.  

The big shot for Parrikar came at a time when the Defence Minister has been publicly expressing his desire to return to state politics in Goa. While the BJP president Amit Shah and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari only hinted that Parrikar’s return to state politics may be considered, the Defence Minister declared that he will go back.

When Lokmat recently talked to him informally about all the talk of going back to the state, he said, “yes.” He went on to say, “Can’t you see, I have lost my weight here.” Parrikar was talking literally as he had lost almost five kg of his weight during the past one year. The reason given by him was that the food here was bad and even the water didn’t suit him. However, Modi’s move to arm Parrikar with more leeway and powers is aimed at placating him and retaining him in the Lutyen’s Delhi as there isn’t enough talent in the party to hold the key portfolio.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is already handicapped due to her recent kidney transplant and her functional capability has come down drastically. The performance of some of the senior Cabinet Ministers is also very poor and some of the performing ministers do not enjoy PM’s confidence either.

Therefore, it will be extremely difficult for Modi to spare Parrikar for Goa under the circumstances. However, Parrikar is determined to return to his home state irrespective of the poll outcome.

Parrikar’s argument is that the BJP in Goa is sinking and he alone can hold the ship given the political situation.