Labour officer signs as admin officer, gets show cause notice

Nagpur: The civic administration cracked down on a serious case of administrative overreach within the transport department. Labour officer Arun Pipurde was issued show cause notice for allegedly signing official documents as an administrative officer, a post far above his designated authority. On Monday, the notice issued by additional municipal commissioner Vasumana Pant, accused Pipurde of misusing his position and violating administrative protocol.According to sources, the irregularities occurred twice during the absence of administrative officers. The first instance took place after the contract of Ravindra Pagey ended and before Sonam Deshmukh assumed the post. Later, when Deshmukh was transferred and the post again fell vacant, Pipurde allegedly continued signing and issuing dept letters as if he held administrative charge.Dept insiders claimed Pipurde signed 10-15 letters and internal communications, directing staff and issuing official instructions — actions strictly reserved for the administrative officer. "He took advantage of the period between transfers to act as the dept head," said a senior transport department official.The misuse came to light only recently, triggering immediate action from civic authorities. "This is a clear violation of administrative hierarchy," the senior official commented, adding that the inquiry would determine whether the misrepresentation led to any procedural lapses or unauthorised decisions.Pipurde reportedly told officials that the signatures were made during the transition period when the post of administrative officer was vacant. However, senior civic officials maintained that signing documents in a capacity higher than one's authorised designation constitutes a serious procedural lapse under municipal service rules. Sources said the ongoing inquiry will also examine the nature of the letters issued and whether any of them extended undue benefit to private bus operators.Meanwhile, officials confirmed that complaints regarding Pipurde's conduct with staff members, including conductors, have also surfaced in the past and may be reviewed as part of the broader administrative scrutiny. The administration is expected to review the records and summon Pipurde for an explanation this week. Strong disciplinary action is likely if he fails to justify his actions.