The BJP on Thursday alleged administrative irregularities in the Jharkhand Transport Department, claiming that a senior IAS officer assumed the role of Transport Commissioner for a brief period through internal orders, and demanded a detailed probe.
Addressing a press conference, BJP state spokesperson Ajay Sah said Transport Secretary Rajiv Ranjan issued an office order on March 10 assuming powers of the Transport Commissioner, and revoked the same through another order on March 11.
Sah termed the episode “irregular” and sought a review of all decisions taken during the intervening period. He alleged that the move bypassed established norms linked to the statutory framework governing road safety institutions in the state.
Referring to earlier notifications, Sah said the Jharkhand government had, in December 2016, constituted the State Road Safety Council and a fund management mechanism in compliance with directions of the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety. He said the Transport Commissioner has been designated as member secretary in these bodies, with defined administrative and coordination roles.
He alleged that the temporary assumption of powers by the Transport Secretary was not in line with these provisions and raised questions over procedural compliance.
The BJP leader demanded that all files processed, approvals granted or decisions taken during the period be examined through an independent inquiry to ascertain if any undue benefit was extended.
Sah also questioned why copies of the orders were not marked to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, who head the respective road safety bodies, and alleged a lack of transparency in the matter.
There was no immediate response from the state government or the Transport Department on the allegations.