MP CM removes chief engineer for issuing ‘anti-farmer’ circular

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav Wednesday ordered immediate removal of a chief engineer of the Electricity Department for issuing a controversial circular imposing a salary cut as a penalty on officials who supply electricity to farmers through agricultural feeders for more than 10 hours a day.

As the controversy over the order escalated with the Opposition Congress questioning the BJP government’s claims of being farmer-friendly, the CM ordered the removal of A K Jain, chief general manager of the MP Central Region Power Distribution Company (MPCRPDC).

Advertisement

Dr Yadav, stressing the government’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, vowed to act against officers issuing arbitrary orders. He asserted that the welfare of farmers is paramount. “Our government is fully committed to farmers’ welfare. Farmers will be provided with 10 hours of uninterrupted power supply under all circumstances,” he added.

Chief Minister Dr Yadav informed that the controversial circular that had caused public misunderstanding has been rescinded with immediate effect. “The chief engineer who issued the circular has also been removed with immediate effect,” he declared.

The circular, issued by A K Jain a day ago, clearly warning of salary cut against the employees found responsible for supplying more than 10 hours electricity per day to farmers was sent to General Managers in 15 districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Sehore, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Harda, Vidisha, Ashoknagar, Guna, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, and Datia, which come under the MPCRPDC’s jurisdiction.

The penalty was applicable at all levels of staff, including operators, junior engineers, executive engineers, deputy general managers, and general managers of MPCRPDC.