Deputy chief minister (in charge of Home) Y. Patton has refuted allegation by opposition NPF that he had confronted and threatened state chief secretary R. Benchilo Thong over the issue of transfer of ADGP Rupin Sharma to Nagaland House Delhi as reported in some sections of the local press.
Reacting to NPF press bureau and another media report, media cell of Dy. CMO stated the fact of the matter was that Rupin Sharma, whose service was under “compulsory wait”, had applied for posting to Nagaland House Delhi in order to enable him to “pursue his deputation and for health check up”. DCMO also disclosed that Sharma had simultaneously, filed another application for ‘station leave to proceed on tour for pursuing his deputation.
DCMO said the file was processed and on examination by the Home department, it was found that “there is no rule or provision for proceeding on tour to pursue deputation matter as deputation case has to be processed as per rules.”
In view of this, DCMO said the Home commissioner suggested seeking medical leave and endorsed the file to the Dy. CM after which it was agreed and file sent back to Home commissioner.
The chief secretary then directed the Home commissioner to resubmit the file to him (CS) immediately and which was done so on the same day.
However, DCMO said, the chief secretary on November 19, had “unilaterally written in the note-sheet saying “Shri Rupin Sharma may be posted as OSD Nagaland House, New Delhi and continue to draw salary from PHQ.”
DCMO also claimed that the chief secretary “took photograph of his own file noting and e-mail to both Resident Commissioner, Nagaland House New Delhi and to Rupin Sharma, before obtaining government approval.”
This file was then sent to the CMO directly for approval “bypassing the Dy.CM, though both CM and Dy CM were out of station” said media cell.
On learning of the chief secretary’s arbitrary action, media cell said Dy CM admonished him (CS) for flouting rules and office procedure and advised him not to take unilateral decision till the matter is further discussed.”
Media cell said Dy. CM also asked CS as to what was the urgency in taking unilateral decision in recommending the case of an officer who was on “compulsory wait”? Dy.CM also questioned the CS about circulating his own file note sheet on WhatsApp group and e-mailing the same to both RC Nagaland house the Rupin Sharma.
Following this, media cell said the CS called back the file from CMO and changed the file note sheet and redirected it to Dy. CM. There was no personal issue involved between Dy. CM and CS as portrayed by NPF in the media but was all about rules and office procedure. Media Cell also denied that Dy. CM threatened the CS as the former held the latter office in high esteem as the bureaucratic head.
DCMO advised NPF against trying to politicise the issue without knowing the facts as public are wise enough to such “cheap political propaganda”.
RSCO flays Patton
Rengma Sebunyu Clan Organization (RSCO) has condemned deputy chief minister, Y Patton, for allegedly threatening state chief secretary RB Thong with dire consequences.
In a press release, Rengma Sebunyu clan organization (RSCO) president, Peter Seb and general secretary Sinhilo Thongseb, said the Rengma Sebunyu Clan Organization (Odyuo Clan) has high regard for deputy chief minister Y Patton. However, they lamented that Patton telephonically threatened chief secretary, RB Thong, saying he will “finish him up once he returned to Nagaland.”
RSCO said it was “unbecoming” and “unfortunate” for a minister to threaten the highest bureaucrat of the state, which “reflects the abuse of power of elected members.”
It also claimed that RB Thong was a sincere and dedicated government servant and has performed his duty as per the directives of the higher authority and did nothing wrong on his own accord.
It cautioned that Patton will be held responsible if any untoward incident happened to RB Thong.
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