Nagaland officer with corruption charges recommended for induction into IAS: NPRAAF

DIMAPUR, JANUARY 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Public Rights Awareness and Action Forum (NPRAAF) has urged the state government not to reward any officer (s) whose credibility and integrity is in question while stating that it will demoralize government servants who serves the state with dedication and with immaculate track record. 

The observation from the NPRAAF after learning “through source” that an officer in the Directorate of School Education (DoSE) who has been allegedly accused of corruption has been recommended by the state government for induction into the IAS, the Forum said in a statement. 

The statement issued by NPRAAF’s Information & Publicity Wing, the said officer, a veterinary Doctor who served as Additional Project Director DoSE on deputation was issued letter of summon for appearance U/S 41 ACr. P.C by Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Police, Kohima-Nagaland on allegation of corruption charges on the mid-day meal scheme along with 14 (fourteen) others on different dates. 

It pointed out that siphoning of mid-day meal fund for poor school going children is serious in nature and if indicted, the said person in question could face imprisonment of 6 months which may extend to 5 years with a fine or both as defined in section 8 & 9 under prevention of corruption Act 1988.

While the scam is still under investigation stage, and the said person in question is not exonerated in the case, the NPRAAF expressed resentment that his name has been recommended for induction into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the highest administrative service in the country.

In this connection, it cautioned it will take the issue further at the greater interest of justice if the state government goes ahead with the “immoral recommendation.”