The union home ministry has initiated disciplinary action against 2022 batch IAS officer Saumyaketu Mishra, who has not reported to Mizoram even after two months of his transfer from Delhi government where he was Special Secretary (Home) in the Delhi government.
The Home Ministry has issued a show cause notice (memorendum) to Saumyaketu Mishra on June 18. It has asked him why action should not be taken against him under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 for disobeying the orders? The ministry has given Mishra 15 days to file his case.
On April 14, he was transferred from Delhi to Mizoram
Saumyaketu Mishra was promoted from the DANICS service on February 19 this year and inducted into the IAS service of the UT cadre. He was transferred from Delhi to Mizoram on April 14 under post-promotion transfer rules. According to the rules, he had to report to the new place within 15 days.
Mishra, on April 16, had sought a stay in Delhi itself, citing family reasons. However, the Delhi government had released him on April 17 so that he could assume his new responsibility in Mizoram. The Home Ministry considered his application and rejected it on May 14. At the same time, he was given clear instructions to join Mizoram immediately.
The official has not yet reported to the Mizoram government
The Home Ministry says that the official has not yet reported to the Mizoram government despite the dismissal and suspension of the application rejected by the government. The ministry, in its preliminary conclusion, has said that this behaviour of the officer falls under the category of wilful disregard of transfer orders, violation of service discipline and contempt of lawful government orders.
The officers have failed to maintain complete loyalty to duty, which is a direct violation of the All India Service (Conduct) Rule. The memorandum clearly warns that if there is no response from the officer within the prescribed 15 days, it will be assumed that he has nothing to say in his Defence. After this, unilateral appropriate action will be taken against them as per law.
The Home Ministry has also sent a copy of this stringent order to the Chief Secretaries of Delhi and Mizoram.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
