Chandigarh: Terming the suspension of two IAS officers by the Punjab govt as “highly objectionable”, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Sunday urged the Union home minister or the Administrative Tribunal to intervene in the matter.Addressing a press conference, Jakhar said the officers were likely suspended for not “giving their consent to the corruption in the purchase of smart phones for Anganwadi workers”. He added: “It reeks of corruption. They were suspended for not giving their consent.”
The AAP-led Punjab govt on Saturday suspended IAS officers Kamal Kishor Yadav and Jaspreet Singh. The two officers were reportedly suspended for an alleged delay in the procurement of smart phones for Anganwadi workers under the Poshan Abhiyan of the Centre.Invoking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and referring to the term coined by him, Jakhar said the bureaucracy was the steel frame of the Indian Constitution. “Within the constitutional limit, the Centre should stand to protect them. Punjab BJP condemns their suspension in strong words. I request the home minister or the Administrative Tribunal to look into the matter. The Punjab chief minister and chief secretary should be held accountable for this,” said the senior leader.Meanwhile, speaking on the India-US trade agreement, Jakhar described the deal as being in the interest of both India and Punjab. He said the agreement would boost Punjab’s industrial development and create new employment opportunities for the youth.“The Govt of India, after careful deliberation, successfully concluded an agreement with the world’s largest economy that will promote industrial growth in the country and in Punjab, without causing any adverse impact on the nation’s farmers, especially those in Punjab,” he said.The BJP leader said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and commerce minister Piyush Goyal finalised the agreement after prolonged discussions, with the govt’s primary focus being the protection of farmers’ interests.He clarified that “there will be no import of crops such as wheat, rice, maize, or any other produce grown in Punjab from the US. Similarly, full protection was ensured for the dairy sector under this agreement”.Taking a dig at the ruling AAP and the Congress, Jakhar said: “The leaders of the AAP and the Congress should rise above partisan politics and congratulate the govt for this agreement made in the national interest. However, they failed to play the role of a constructive opposition. The silence of the AAP govt itself is proof that the agreement is beneficial.”He asked those opposing the agreement “not to oppose for the sake of opposition but to speak on the basis of facts”. Jakhar added: “Now that the govt issued a clear statement assuring that farmers’ interests will not be compromised, such opposition holds no meaning.”MSID:: 128070701 413 |
