Bihar govt suspends IAS officer

PATNA: In a late night development, state government on Friday suspended chief executive officer cum commissioner of Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) and a 2005 batch IAS officer Kuldip Narayan under All India Service (discipline and Appeal) Regulations, 1969 Rules 3(1) with immediate effect for his failure in non-utilizing allotted found meant for the financial years 2012-13 and 2013-14.The general administration department on Friday late night issued notification to this effect.
Narayan a former district magistrates of Saran and Munger is a B. Tech from IIT Kanpur.
The government also made serious allegations against him for non purchase of fogging machines, non implementation of the much awaited solid waste treatment plant and his failure to initiate anti-encroachment drive and demolition of illegal construction in the city, said additional secretary, department of general administration department Ram Bishun Rai in its notification.
During his suspension period, Narayan will report to the PMC Headquarter. As per the rules he will get sustenance allowance during his suspension period. The government after series of consultations with officials have also decided to initiate departmental proceedings against him.
As per the directives of the Patna high court on July 8, 2013, the state government has decided not to appoint anyone on this post. It may be recalled that the Patna high court had put a restriction on the transfer the PMC commissioner Narayan.
For day to day work, the government will appoint senior most officer of the urban development department for the time being. The government will seek directives from the high court about the fresh appointment of PMC commissioner. Only after the consultation of the high court, the government will appoint a full-fledged PMC commissioner, said the notification.
Bihar's chief secretary Anjani K Singh who is camping in New Delhi said that the government has already recommended department proceedings for his alleged non ulitisation of funds meant for the development for civic amenities.
Later in the evening a seven member delegation of Bihar chapter of IAS officers association also met the CM Jitan Ram Manjhi protesting against the suspension of Narayan. The delegation also demanded security cover to Narayan for alleged threat on him by builders lobby.
According to sources, IAS officers association is likely to appeal in the Patna high court against the suspension of Narayan on Monday.