Norms 'violated' in deputation of Kannada Dept. officials

By K N Venkatasubba Rao

BANGALORE, JUNE 18.Two Senior Class-I officers have been sent on deputation by the Department of Kannada and Culture in violation of the Government's instructions.

According to sources, the department issued the deputation order (Sanka E 1 Rapasi 2000-part 2) on June 13 to the officers who were in "cooling period" and that this was done without the knowledge of the Chief Minister.

The order issued by the Secretary (Kannada and Culture), Mr. A.R. Chandrahasa Gupta, stated that the Deputy Director of the Department of Archives, Dr. S.R.Honnalingaiah, had been deputed as the Joint Director at the Directorate of Kannada and Culture, and the Joint Director of the Directorate of Kannada Culture, Ms. Durga C. Avarthi, had been directed to take charge of the post held by Dr. Honnalingaiah with immediate effect.

Both Ms. Durga C. Avarthi and Dr. Honnalingaiah were repatriated to their parent departments on March 29 in accordance with the instructions issued by the Government on March 22, 1995 (DCA3/ARB/1995). All the departments were directed to strictly adhere to the norms laid down in the relevant rule. It had also warned that disciplinary action would be initiated against those who failed to comply with its directives.

The then Additional Chief Secretary, Ms. Achala Moulik, reportedly circulated an unofficial (U.O.) note to all departments asking them to furnish details of officers on long- term deputation.

Following this, Dr. Honnalingaiah, who was on deputation with the Directorate of Kannada and Culture for the second time, and Ms. Durga C. Avarthi, who was with the Department of Archives were repatriated. According to norms, persons who are repatriated to their parent department should serve a minimum of two years there and this period is called "cooling period". But the deputation order issued on March 13 was reportedly in violation of the Government Order and the Minister of State for Kannada and Culture, Ms Rani Satish, was reportedly misled while her consent was sought, the sources said.

A large section of the employees of the Kannada and Culture Department was baffled to learn about the deputation of Dr. Honnalingaiah for the third time.

Interestingly, Ms. Durga C. Avarthy wrote three letters to the Secretary of the Department seeking deputation to the Department of Archives as Deputy Director (obviously to the post held by Dr. Honnalingaiah) even though she was in the "cooling period."

In a letter addressed to the Secretary of the Department on June 14, Ms. Durga C.Avarthy stated that she had given her consent to go on deputation to the Department of Archives at the "behest of Dr. Honnalingaiah for his convenience". Now, I have decided to serve in my parent department considering the work ambience and privileges given to me by the Government." She urged the Secretary that she "may be allowed to continue in her present post and the deputation order rescinded."

The employees of the Department of Kannada and Culture said that the deputation order on Dr. Honnalingaiah should be rescinded immediately. By issuing such an order, the Secretary had violated several norms.

The employees' association is planning to submit a detailed letter to the Chief Secretary on the issue.

It will also seek an inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the department.

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Section  : Southern States
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