Once bitten: Enraged Haryana minister orders charge sheet against officials for termite infestation
Noticing termites in the wooden cupboards in his VIP room, the Haryana Minister for Public Health Engineering and Public Works (B&R) directed stern action against 'corrupt' officials —a charge sheet against two, an explanation from another, and a warning to yet another officer.
Gurugram: Who would have thought termites would lead to a charge sheet? But that's exactly what has happened to officials in Haryana after Minister Ranbir Gangwa found termites in the Bahadurgarh PWD rest house during a stay.
ThePrint has accessed the letter.
The VIP room, meant for dignitaries, was disfigured by termites, the wooden furniture destroyed. The letter says this indicated a general failure in maintenance.
The letter accuses Rajesh Tanwar, Sub Divisional Engineer (SDE) with additional charge of SDE Bahadurgarh, and Mohit Chauhan, JE, for what it calls 'carelessness, lethargy, and dereliction of their official duties'.
The two have been ordered to be charge-sheeted under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016, which requires a thorough inquiry prior to imposing significant penalties.
The order also states that Mukesh Sharma, SDE (CDC), who joined duty on 24 July, is to be summoned for explanation, while Anil Rohilla, Executive Engineer (XEN) of PWD (B&R) Bahadurgarh, is to be given a formal warning.
Minister Gangwa did not respond to calls from ThePrint.
Anil Rohilla, however, told ThePrint that on the day of the visit of the minister, he was on duty to oversee the common eligibility test (CET) examination conducted by the Haryana Services Selection Commission.
Rohilla, however, admitted there was a termite infestation at the rest house. 'Termites have been seen in the wooden cupboards of the rest house. It is under our observation, and we were thinking of getting an estimate made for termite treatment of the building. It will be completed shortly,' he said.
Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016, prescribes the imposition of severe penalties if the person is found guilty of the charges after an inquiry.
Though the formal charge sheet will be issued in due course by the department once a minister orders it, the minister's letter clearly charges the officials of an act 'unbecoming of a responsible officer'.
A senior officer in the Haryana government explained that when a minister orders a charge sheet of an official, it mandatorily requires the authorities to prepare precise charges, furnish the accused with papers and an opportunity to present a written defence, and appoint an inquiry officer, if necessary.
'The inquiry entails questioning witnesses, permitting cross-examination, and presenting a detailed report, following which the accused is afforded another chance to reply before any penalty is decided,' he added.
Once held guilty, the major penalties under Rule 7 are withholding increments, denying promotions, lowering pay or grade, compulsory retirement, removal, or dismissal from service.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Haryana ministers seek power to transfer govt employees, CM Saini puts his foot down
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