'Cold-blooded murder of democracy': IAS officer suspended for skipping minister’s briefing

MUMBAI: The state govt on Friday suspended Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) member secretary M Devender Singh pending disciplinary proceedings.

Panel Speaker Dilip Lande had on Thursday directed that Singh be suspended after environment minister Pankaja Munde said in the legislative assembly that the officer had not shown up for her ministerial briefings despite several reminders. BJP MLA Sudhir Mungatiwar demanded that this kind of insubordination by officials was a murder of democracy and such officials must be suspended.


Mungatiwar also said the Speaker must move a breach of privilege motion against Singh suo motu.

Singh is an IAS officer of the 2011 batch.

Following the discussion, Lande directed that such officials must be suspended and the govt must inform the assembly about the action taken. "Nothing can be more serious than this. This is nothing but cold-blooded murder of democracy... if officers are not showing up for briefing the minister. Such officials therefore must be suspended. Their names must be taken and a breach of privilege should be moved against them suo motu. Pankaja Munde is a cabinet minister. A message must be given to all officers and this message should serve for the next 100 years," Mungantiwar said.

Munde had said while replying to a query in the legislative assembly that the officer had not turned up for the briefing and reportedly told her that he would not come for the meeting.

"Whereas disciplinary proceeding against M Devender Singh, Member Secretary, MPCB is contemplated. Now, therefore, government of Maharashtra in exercise of powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-rule (i) of rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby places M Devender Singh, Member Secretary, MPCB under suspension with immediate effect," stated the state govt's suspension order.

"Minister Pankaja Munde said an IAS officer says he would not attend the briefing. The panel Speaker thereafter ordered his suspension on Thursday. Accordingly, such an action should be taken within 24 hours. This incident happened on Thursday and he was suspended on Friday. In future, this officer should be put in jail. Saying I will not come to give a briefing to the minister is an insult to the Constitution. Punish that officer because this is a provision in the Constitution. Some officers have gone a step further; 75% of the district collectors are arrogant, and say MLAs keep changing, we will remain. They must give respect and take respect," Mungantiwar said.