SDMs face action

Indore: Taking stern action against the senior administrative officials for showing negligence in the works assigned, the divisional commissioner slapped cash penalty on them on Thursday.

It was stated to be the first of its kind punishment given to sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) level officials on their failing to provide facility to the applicants under public service guarantee act in the given time-frame.

Under Section 7 (1) of the act, Dubey slapped cash penalty of Rs 2000 each on SDM Shringar Shrivastava and SDM Shalini Shrivastava. He also penalized SDM Ajit Shrivastava, Sandip Soni, Anil Banwariya and NN Pandey with Rs 1000 penalty.

Besides, the senior official issued warning to SDM Neha Meena (IAS) on her delay to render service to the applicant for two days and the food controller RC Meena.

“It was found that officials had cases pending while the applicants were waiting for the services. Notices have been issued and on receiving non-satisfying replay, cash penalty were imposed on them” Dubey told TOI.

The step is believed to streamline the functioning as no official concerned would wish to face such action in near future. The officials have been asked for early disposal of the applications received under public service guarantee act to them.