Dimapur, November 27 (MExN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today sent a livid missive to Chief Secretary Lalhuma, expressing “extreme displeasure” at the ongoing tussle over the superannuation policy, with particular reference to the enhancement or upper age limit. In a startling disclosure, an irate CM said the affidavit for review has already “been signed about four months back but had not been filed in the court”. The CM has demanded an inquiry and as to act against the officials responsible for this lapse.
The CM reminded of the cabinet decision in November 15, last year, approving the retirement age for state government employees to be increased from 57 to 60 years. Rio stated: “The cabinet on 23rd October 2008 has also directed to examine and prepare a profile of the average length of services put in by the government employees at the time of superannuation.
A decision was already been taken to file for review of the high court order dated January 28, 1993 in the WP (C ) rule number 3354/91 for which on two occasions directions have been passed to the law and P& AR departments. It is also observed that the government has also assured the NSF…that review shall be filed in the court”.
Making clear that ‘there can be no excuses whatsoever, to explain the lapses away” the CM noted that the affidavit for review “have been signed about four months back but had not been filed in the court”. This conduct, Rio said, of the erring officials tantamount to direct insubordination and undermining of the state Cabinet. “I desire that an inquiry be instituted to o into the lapses to ascertain and fix responsibility on the officials involved and also initiate disciplinary action so as to ensure that such casual approach on important and sensitive issues are avoided in future” Rio made clear. The chief secretary is told to report on the action taken, to the CM.
