MLA seeks action against Chief Secretary for using public money on private party

Jaswan-Pragpur MLA Bikram Thakur has demanded action against Chief Secretary Prabodh Sexena for using public money for a private event.

Bikram, while talking to newsmen here yesterday, said that the government should immediately suspend the Chief Secretary and make public the names of the guests who had participated in the event hosted by the officer in Holiday Home hotel.

He said that it was worrying that a senior officer on extension was not only violating administrative norms but was also trying to mislead the public. “The duty of an officer is to serve the public, not to enjoy at their expense. The Chief Secretary’’s behaviour is contrary to the dignity of his post,” he added.

He alleged that the name of the Chief Secretary and his wife was printed on the invitation card in a private event organised recently. The event was allegedly described as a meeting of officials, but the truth was that many businessmen and non-government people attended it, which was visible in the viral pictures and videos.

The MLA said that when the programme attracted criticism, the Chief Secretary distanced himself from it and called it a meeting of officials. His statement was not only untrue but also amounted to misuse of government position and a betrayal of the public trust, he alleged.

“When a senior officer says that people do not know the system, it reflects arrogance of power. The thinking of such officers is a threat to democracy and transparency,” he added.

Bikram said that if the government remained a mute spectator to this matter, it would be a clear indication that such officers were getting protection from people in power.