PROMPTLY WROTE FOR TAKING ACTION AGAINST OFFICERS INDULGING IN BUNGLINGS: NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU

PROMPTLY WROTE FOR TAKING ACTION AGAINST OFFICERS INDULGING IN BUNGLINGS: NAVJOT SINGH SIDHU

LOCAL GOVERNMENT & CULTURAL AFFAIRS & TOURISM DEPARTMENT ISSUES CLARIFICATION REGARDING BASELESS REPORTS IN MEDIA

Nabaz-e-Punjab Bureau, Chandigarh, January 9:
The Tourism & Cultural Affairs and Local Government Department, Punjab has made it absolutely clear that prompt written action was taken against the officers associated with the 2 departments namely Rajesh Dhiman (Ex-Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Mohali) and Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa (Ex-Director Cultural Affairs and Tourism). The Cultural Affairs and Tourism & Local Government Minister Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu also clarified that his office already initiates written action with regard to any of his statements in the media. He also said that in the case of bungling/irregularities by both the officers prompt written communication was issued for taking action.
Clarifying the position here today, an official spokesman said that news reports had appeared in certain sections of the media that no written action was taken against the 2 officers with regard to the departmental action in 2 different cases. The spokesman further said that in the 1st matter, the Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu had written a letter to the Chief Minister, Punjab demanding CBI probe against the ex-Director of the Department Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa. The copy of the letter was also sent to the Director, Vigilance, Punjab, CBI Director and the Director of Revenue Intelligence, Mumbai Zonal Unit. In the letter written on the 1st September, 2017 vide minister’s office’ diary dispatch number 324-26 (N) it was written that the letter received from the Director of Revenue Intelligence (D.R.I.) which was addressed to the Chief Secretary Punjab, mentioned that the then Director Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa in connivance with one Vijay Nanda sold important antique artefacts in the international market. This officer remained for a long period in the Department so, it deserves thorough probe that how many antique artefacts were sent out of Punjab. This is a serious matter and as the sale of antiques comes in the jurisdiction of the CBI, the matter should be probed by the agency.
The spokesman further said that in the 2nd matter the Special Secretary, Local Government Department had on 4-1-2018 vide letter no.13/5/2018-2 SS 1/31 written to the Chief Secretary, Punjab that action be taken against concerned officers in the matter of bungling with regard to the procuring of tree pruning machines at Municipal Corporation, S.A.S. Nagar. It was clearly written in the letter that the Local Government Minister has recommended the suspension of the then Commissioner Municipal Corporation S.A.S. Nagar Rajesh Dhiman PCS. It was also written that the text of the chargesheet to be issued to the officer would be sent later on by the department.