IAS Alok Kumar Removed from Medical Ed, Parthasarathy Sen Takes Charge; 10 IAS Transfers, 6 DM Changes

The Uttar Pradesh government has executed a significant administrative reshuffling, resulting in the removal of Principal Secretary Alok Kumar from his post amid allegations of irregularities within the Medical Education Department. In light of these developments, IAS officer Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma has been entrusted with the additional responsibility of overseeing the affairs of the Medical Education Department.

The catalyst for these alterations appears to be allegations of procedural deviations and irregularities that have surfaced, particularly in the context of tender processes within the Medical Education Department. It is noteworthy that these allegations were first brought to public attention by the news outlet Dainik Bhaskar approximately 12 days ago.

On Saturday, the Uttar Pradesh government executed a series of administrative transfers, affecting a total of 10 Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officers. Among these transfers, notable changes include the reassignment of District Magistrates (DMs) in six districts: Barabanki, Maharajganj, Jhansi, Bareilly, Sultanpur, and Fatehpur. Additionally, the government has expanded the responsibilities of four senior officers in the bureaucratic hierarchy.

Allegations of Irregularities in the Medical Education Department Lead to Removal of Alok Kumar

Mr. Alok Kumar, a senior Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer from the 1993 batch, has been relieved of his duties as the Principal Secretary of the Medical Education Department. He is currently placed on a waiting list pending further administrative decisions. The catalyst for this change can be traced back to revelations of irregularities within the Medical Education Department, as first reported by Dainik Bhaskar on September 18.

These irregularities have been associated with the procurement process for goods in the context of the establishment of 14 medical colleges in the state, which are being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. It has come to light that established regulations and procedures concerning tenders valued at over Rs 400 crore, specifically for the acquisition of furniture and medical equipment, were allegedly disregarded.

The gravity of these allegations prompted complaints to reach the attention of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Subsequently, the government has taken decisive action to address these concerns and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability within the Medical Education Department.

The removal of Mr. Alok Kumar from his position and his placement on a waiting list are indicative of the government’s commitment to investigating and rectifying any deviations from established rules and regulations. Such measures are crucial to preserving the integrity of the state’s administrative processes and to maintaining public trust.

It is essential to note that administrative reshuffles and actions are standard practices aimed at addressing issues of public interest and ensuring that the administrative machinery operates in accordance with established norms. The government’s response in this matter underscores its dedication to responsive governance and adherence to established procedures.

Procurement Irregularities in Medical Education Department: A Closer Look at the Rs 462 Crore Purchase

The recent revelation of procurement irregularities within the Medical Education Department has raised significant concerns over the purchase of furniture and resources amounting to a staggering Rs 462 crore. These concerns primarily revolve around deviations from established procedures and regulations governing the procurement process.

The crux of the matter centers on a tender valued at Rs 426 crore, in which the Medical Education Department awarded a contract worth over Rs 400 crore to the government-run PSU Heights (HITES). In addition to this, the department issued a government order stipulating a 2% consultancy fee to be paid to the Heights Company. Furthermore, approximately 50% of the contract amount was disbursed in advance.

The procurement of resources of such substantial value typically requires the approval of the state cabinet. However, this is where the irregularities in the process came to light. The contract was awarded without obtaining the necessary cabinet approval, indicating a significant departure from established protocols and regulatory requirements.

Procurement processes involving substantial sums of public funds demand meticulous adherence to rules and regulations to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. The alleged deviation from these procedures raises concerns regarding the proper utilization of public resources and adherence to established governance norms.

The absence of cabinet approval in a procurement of this magnitude is a noteworthy oversight, as it is designed to provide a layer of oversight and scrutiny to safeguard against potential irregularities or favoritism. The government’s commitment to transparent and accountable governance is reliant on strict adherence to such approval processes.

Government Enhances Responsibilities of Four Senior IAS Officers

In a recent administrative development, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to augment the responsibilities of four senior Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officers. Among these officers, three hold the esteemed position of Principal Secretary, and one is of secretary rank. This decision reflects the government’s strategy to optimize the utilization of experienced and capable officials in key positions within the bureaucracy.

1. M. Devaraj: Mr. M. Devaraj, who previously served as the Principal Secretary in the Provisional Education Department, has now been entrusted with the role of Principal Secretary in the Vocational Education and Skill Development Department, in addition to his current responsibilities.
2. Dr. MKS Sundaram: Dr. MKS Sundaram, who held the position of Principal Secretary in the Vocational Education and Skill Development Department, has now assumed the role of Principal Secretary in the Basic Education Department. This transition aims to leverage his expertise and experience in the field of education.
3. Bal Krishna Tripathi: Mr. Bal Krishna Tripathi has been appointed as the Commissioner of the Chitrakoot division. This appointment recognizes his competence and capacity to oversee the affairs of this division, reflecting the government’s commitment to efficient governance at the regional level.
4. Parthsen Sharma: IAS officer Parthsen Sharma, who previously served as the Principal Secretary in the Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare, has been assigned additional responsibilities as the head of the Medical Education Department. This move is indicative of his versatile administrative skills and the government’s trust in his ability to handle critical portfolios.

Administrative Reshuffle: Changes in District Magistrates (DMs) and Additional Responsibilities of IAS Officers

The Uttar Pradesh government has recently implemented a significant administrative reshuffle, involving the transfer of District Magistrates (DMs) in six districts and the allocation of additional responsibilities to various Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officers. This strategic reallocation of roles aims to optimize administrative efficiency and enhance governance across the state. Here are the details of the changes:

District Magistrate (DM) Changes:

1. Satyendra Kumar (2013 batch IAS): Removed from the post of DM in Maharajganj and appointed as DM in Barabanki.
2. Anunay Jha (2015 batch IAS): Previously Municipal Commissioner in Mathura, has now been appointed as the DM in Maharajganj.
3. Ravindra Kumar-II: Relieved from the position of DM in Jhansi and reassigned as DM in Bareilly.
4. Avinash Kumar: Former DM of Barabanki, now holds the position of DM in Jhansi.
5. Krutika Jyotsna: Special Secretary in the Food Logistics Department, now appointed as the DM in Sultanpur.
6. Indumati: Former Mission Director, Indumati, has taken over as the DM in Fatehpur.

Additional Responsibilities for IAS Officers:

1. M. Devaraj: Assigned the additional charge of Principal Secretary in the Vocational Education and Skill Development Department, alongside his current role as Principal Secretary in the Technical Education Department.
2. Dr. MKS Sundaram: Appointed as the Principal Secretary in the Basic Education Department, succeeding his previous role as Principal Secretary in the Vocational Education and Skill Development Department.
3. Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma: Now holds the additional charge of Principal Secretary in the Medical Education Department, in addition to his position as Principal Secretary in the Medical, Health, and Family Welfare Department.
4. Balkrishna Tripathi: Previously Special Secretary in the Agriculture Production Commissioner Branch, is now in charge as Commissioner of the Chitrakootdham Division.
5. C. Indumati: Transferred from the role of Mission Director in the UP State Rural Livelihood Mission to the position of DM in Fatehpur.
6. Krittika Jyotsna: Formerly Special Secretary in the Food Logistics Department and Managing Director, now serves as the DM in Sultanpur.

These administrative changes reflect the government’s commitment to optimizing the allocation of responsibilities and ensuring the efficient functioning of various departments and districts within the state. Such reshuffles are a routine part of governance to adapt to evolving circumstances and improve public service delivery.