Ladakh officials communicate direct with Centre without approval of Adm Secys

Authorities view matter seriously

Nasir Azam

Srinagar, June 05 (KNO): In clear violation of a government directive, several head of the departments in the newly carved out Union Territory Ladakh are directly communicating/ transacting government business with the  central government without seeking prior approval of their administrative secretaries.

The revelation has come to fore after a senior official of UT administration warned the HODs that such actions would be viewed seriously. “ Whereas in contravention to circular NO.2 dated 18 December 2019,issued by General Administration Department Ladakh several instances have come to the notice of the administration whereby the Head of Departments have not adhered to the  official channel for submission of correspondence/ files.

In such cases, the officers have directly communicated with the ministries/departments in the Government of India without prior approval of the concerned administrative secretary,” reveals an order issued by commissioner secretary, General Administration Department, Rigzin Samphel.

The officers have been directed to seek approval of their administrative secretaries on all issues to be taken up with Government of India.“ As the overall aim is to evolve and streamline  process  management in offices, therefore it is once again impressed upon all concerned Head of Departments to route/ seek prior approval of the concerned administrative secretary on all such issues/ official correspondence pertaining to ministries/ departments in the Government of India,” the order copy reads.

The administration has also warned officials that such violations would be viewed seriously in future. “Any contravention of aforesaid instructions shall be viewed seriously and defaulting officers have to explain their positions, under direct rules,” it further states.

After re-organisation of Jammu and Kashmir, the Ladakh is functioning as separate territorial and administrative entity from October 31. Two senior IAS- Rigzin Samphel and Saugat Biswas – are heading more than 15 departments each as administrative secretary in UT spread over two districts.