The Hindu : Karnataka News : Bidar CMC Commissioner gets ‘extension’

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Friday, Mar 28, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Bidar CMC Commissioner gets ‘extension’

M.B. Girish

He was supposed to retire on October 31, 2007
Officials say he has not been paid salary

BIDAR: In a classic case of laxity on part of the government, the former Commissioner of the Bidar City Municipal Council R. H. Prasad “finally” retired from the post on March 26, after holding the post for over four and half months beyond his actual superannuation.

The official, who was supposed to retire from service on October 31, 2007, held on to the post “as he had no communication from higher-ups to get relieved from his duties.”

A letter faxed to the office of Deputy Commissioner, Bidar, on Wednesday from the Secretary of Urban Development Department, Bangalore, stating that Mr. Prasad was to retire in October last and asked the officials concerned to relieve him. Until then, the date of retirement of Mr. Prasad was unknown. He assumed charge of the CMC on August 25, 2006.

According to the records at the Bidar CMC, Mr. Prasad had availed himself of “sick” leave from November 1, 2007, the date on which he should have retired.

He returned to the office on March 10 and worked for about 13 days, before taking long leave from March 23. During his absence, in-charge Commissioners were appointed.

Secretary, Urban Development, Bangalore, Subhash Chandra told The Hindu: “The matter has come to our notice on Wednesday and details have been sought on his appointment.” Mr. Prasad could not be contacted.

Senior officials in the Bidar CMC, on the condition of anonymity, told The Hindu on Thursday that Mr. Prasad had not been paid salary for the past four months, but he cleared certain tender bills after he returned for a short while.

They said that it was the responsibility of the officer concerned to intimate his higher-ups on his date of retirement. The retirement date of officers in government departments are notified in advance.

However, at a hurriedly convened function on Wednesday at the CMC, Assistant Commissioner of Bidar Zaheera Nasim has been made in-charge Commissioner of the Council.

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