Dr K Ashok Vardhan Shetty, a 1983 batch Tamil Nadu cadre IAS, had five more years to retire. A principal secretary in the state’s municipal department, Shetty, an engineer and MBA, simply wanted to quit the government. In September 2011, he applied for voluntary retirement and wanted him to be relieved by December 9. But the story took a new turn after Jayalalithaa-led government had decided not to relive him, and instead ordered a vigilance enquiry against the officer. It was alleged that Shetty was involved in financial irregularities when he was principal secretary in rural development and Panchayati Raj department of the state. But Shetty decided to fight back. He approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) with the argument that he was not under suspension, and fulfilled the criteria of 28 years of service and 50 years of age to be eligible for voluntary retirement.
Finally, Madras Bench of the CAT agreed to his argument and asked Tamil Nadu government to accept his resignation. The CAT further directed the state government to disburse the retirement benefits to the IAS officer within three months.
An MBA from Birmingham University, it is however not known what’s Shetty plan of action post voluntary retirement.
Few very people in corridor know that Shetty passionately blogs, and has been blogging since 2007. The social media then was a strict “no no” to the babus. His blogs are Great Minds on God, Religion and Science, and Superstition Scan.
Action and Appointments
a) The Centre has approved the extension of inter-cadre transfer of HR Srinivasa, a 1996 batch Bihar cadre IAS from Bihar to Karnataka for two more years with effect from September 10, 2011. It was however mentioned in the order, dated February 27, 2012 that Srinivasa’s inter-cadre transfer can’t go beyond seven years, and the current extension too was given on “compassionate grounds” and it should not be quoted as “a precedent”.b) Rohit Kumar, a 1997 batch Rajasthan cadre IAS and director of rural development ministry, has been laterally transferred to the ministry of road transport and highways.
c) Rakesh Singh, a 1989 batch Karnataka cadre IAS who is currently on compulsory wait in the department of legal affairs, has now been appointed as joint secretary in the ministry of home affairs.
Mr.A.V.Shetty's commitment to work is well known. I have been watching him from his days as Sub collector, Hosur and it is unfortunate that the system is letting him go without utilising his complete potential.
ReplyDeleteI have known Mr. Shetty personally as a man of high integrity.
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