[ Indu Chukhu ]
ITANAGAR, 5 Dec: A 2021 Group B (Gazetted) officer serving as the District Land Revenue and Settlement Officer (DLRSO) in the land management department and posted in Koloriang in Kurung Kumey district, has sought resignation from his post.
DLRSO Bhonagiri Vamshi Krishna was transferred to Kurung Kumey district on 30 October and released from the land management directorate on 21 November.
In a letter addressed to the land management secretary, stating that his transfer has “resulted in various unforeseen circumstances, which are well known to the department,” Krishna said that he had submitted the joining report on 25 November, without assuming charge, at the DC office, Koloriang.
The letter read, “The incidents that occurred in the couple of days following the release order raised several concerns regarding my safety and security. The mental stress I faced due to external pressures from the date of release from the directorate compelled me to make this difficult decision,” referring to his resignation from the post.
The letter read, “The aforementioned unforeseen circumstances have caused my family to worry about my wellbeing. After extensive discussions with them, they have advised me not to join the district (Kurung Kumey), considering the anticipated outcomes in the near future. Furthermore, discussions with family and friends regarding the incidents surrounding my transfer and joining have made me realise that there is lack of value and self-respect attached to the position, which is another significant reason for my decision.”
Krishna further said in the letter to the secretary that discussions held with the authority regarding the reconsideration of his posting “made me personally compelled to feel that the department is considering maintaining the status quo, given the proposed projects in the respective district.”
He stated, “Under these circumstances, working in the district and completing the projects would be extremely challenging and mentally daunting due to the multiple vested interests associated with them.”
Krishna had ranked 16th in the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination,2021.
Highlight of the case
A regular DLRSO, Pudom Taku, was to join as the DLRSO of Kurung Kumey and to take additional charge as the DLRSO of Kra Daadi district.
However, due to political pressure, he was unable to join Kurung Kumey as per his original posting order. As a result, he joined Kra Daadi as the regular DLRSO, informed an officer on condition of anonymity.
Subsequently, Krishna joined as the regular DLRSO of Kurung Kumey. However, he later submitted a letter of resignation.
Interestingly, one Nangram Bai, serving as an upper division clerk (UDC) in the panchayat department in Kurung Kumey district, was serving as the in-charge DLRSO and was not willing to relinquish his charge to the appointed officers, Pudom Taku and Bhonagiri Vamshi Krishna.
The officer on condition of anonymity also informed this reporter that political pressure is reportedly being exerted, as evidenced by Krishna’s resignation letter.
An order was issued by the department of land management on 7 June, 2022, stating that the charge of the DLRSO should be entrusted to a Group B officer in the event of temporary vacancy or unavailability of post.
It means that if no regular DLRSO is appointed, only officers of Group B or higher category can hold the DLRSO’s charges. However, in this case, a UDC, who holds a Group C post, is holding the charge of a Group B gazetted officer.
Krishna said that it’s a shame on the land management department and the Kurung Kumey DC that they cannot protect the right of a government servant.
The officer also asked what kind of message he would give to his people in his home state Andhra Pradesh, seeing that such is the condition of an APCSofficer here in Arunachal Pradesh.
“If a Group C employee can hold a Group B (gazetted) position with the support of political influences, then what is the purpose of clearing the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Combined Competitive Examination?” he asked.
It is also reported that there is encroachment on the block development officer’s post by Rural Development cadres.
