Minister alleges ‘open defiance’, bypassing of Ministry and discourteous conduct; urges posting of suitable officer to restore orderly functioning of Transport Department
Srinagar, Aug 12: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, has sought the immediate removal of Transport Commissioner J&K, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, alleging continued defiance of and disrespect towards the authority of the Ministry.
In a communication addressed to the Chief Minister, Sharma described the matter as one of “serious concern”, stating that the officer’s conduct had reached a point where the orderly administration of the Transport Department was being seriously compromised.
The Minister alleged that the conduct of the Transport Commissioner included “open defiance” of written and verbal directives, bypassing the Ministry and “discourteous conduct/communication” towards the Minister.
Sharma said he had initially attempted to address the matter informally and through internal channels, but alleged that there had been no improvement in the Commissioner’s conduct and that the pattern of disregard for the Ministry’s directions had continued.
“Under our system of governance, the Transport Commissioner functions as the principal executive officer of the Department under the policy direction and overall supervision of the Minister-in-charge,” Sharma stated in the communication.
He said persistent insubordination by a senior officer not only undermines the authority and dignity of the elected office but also disrupts the chain of administrative accountability, adversely affects departmental morale and ultimately impedes the delivery of public services.
In view of the circumstances, the Minister requested that Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, be “immediately moved out of the post of Transport Commissioner” and that a suitable officer of appropriate seniority be posted in his place.
Sharma said such a step would help restore the normal functioning of the Transport Department and prevent further administrative disruption.
