The Centre issues a notice letter to the Mamata’s chief adviser and retired IAS Officer to submit a written statement in his defense.
Alapan Bandyopadhyay, the West Bengal’s chief Secretary resigned from his position on May 31. Soon after, he joined as the special adviser to the present Chief minister Mamata Banerjee.
Subsequently, the IAS officer received a letter warning him of “major penalty proceedings” from the Central Government. Government of India issued this warning letter for allegedly not attending a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
It is likely that the IAS officer may face proceedings under the service Discipline rules 1969 and the Retirement benefits Rules 1958. Sources say that Centre may withhold Mr. Alapan’s pension and gratuity or both, either in full or in part.
The letter issued by the Department of Personnel and Training read that “Shri Alapan Bandyopadhyay, (IAS) (Retd) is informed that an inquiry will be held only in respect of the Article of Charge as is not admitted. He should therefore, specifically admit or deny the Article of Charge”
However, the IAS officer received many warnings and notices. Hence, Mamata Banerjee called the Centre’s action as “Vendetta”. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declined to release the officer as he was handling COVID situation as well as the aftermath of the cyclone Yaas.
In fact, the Centre accepted the request of the IAS officer for a three-month extension. But, on seeing the way things were going on, he decided to decline the option of extension, instead chose to superannuate.
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