HP Govt chargesheets Director, Uttrakhand Horticulture

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Government on Saturday Charge sheeted the Director of Horticulture Uttarakhand for misconduct or misbehavior under Central Civil Services Rules, 1965 accusing him of conducting inspection of a Horticulture plants and exercising his power beyond his authority.
A chargesheet issued by the Secretary Horticulture Amitabh Awasthi on June 27, copy of which is with UNI said that the officer would submit his reply within 10 days of the receipt of this Memorandum, a written statement of his defense and also to state whether he desires to be heard in person. An inquiry will be held only in respect of those articles of charge as are not admitted. The officers should specifically admit or deny each article of charge. Dr. H.S. Baweja the then Director of Horticulture, H.P. Shimla cautioned that if he does not submit his written statement of defense on or before the date or does not appear in person before the enquiring authority or otherwise fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of Rule 14, the enquiring authority may hold the enquiry against him ex-parte.
The secretary also warned the officers that he brings or attempts to bring any political or outside influence to bear upon any superior authority to further his interest in respect of matters pertaining to his services under the Government. If any representation is received on his behalf from another person in respect of any matter dealt with in these proceedings, it will be presumed that he is aware of such a representation and that it has been made at his instance and action will be taken against him for violation of Rule, 20 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
It is worthwhile to mention that Dr. H.S. Baweja, the then Director of Horticulture, Shimla – 2 while functioning as Director of Horticulture w.e.f. 01.02.2016, constituted Joint Action Committee. for releasing 1st installment of CA store subsidy amounting to Rs 693.09 lac in favor of M/s Him Agri Fresh Pvt. Ltd. contrary to the guidelines issued by Govt. of India and National Horticulture Board.
The said Joint Inspection Team inspected the premises of CA store at village Vaighar Thesil Theog, Distt. Shimla along with Dr. H.S. Baweja the then Director of Horticulture, Shimla – 2 on 10.03.2017 but no inspection report was submitted to the office.
The said action on the part of above said Dr. H.S. Baweja the then Director of Horticulture, Shimla – 2 tantamount to misconduct under rule 3 (1) (iii) of CCS conduct rules 1964.
Article of Charge – II That Dr. H.S. Baweja the then Director of Horticulture, Shimla – 2 while functioning as Director of Horticulture w.e.f.
01.02.2016 to 19.09.2017 issued instruction to Drawing & Disbursing Officer, Directorate of Horticulture, H.P., Shimla for contacting ICICI Bank authorities for withholding of disbursement of subsidy of Rs 693.09 lac on the pretext of non – completion of codal formalities of said M / s Him Agri Fresh Pvt. Ltd. situated at village Vulghar Thesil Theog , Distt . Shimla, H.P. The said action on the part of above said Dr. H.S. Baweja the then Director of Horticulture, Shimla – 2 tantamount to misconduct under rule 3 (1) (i) of CCS conduct rules 1964.
Statement of imputation of misconduct/misbehavior in support of article of Charge framed against Dr. H.S. Baweja. The Vigilance Department of H.P. had also registered a complaint against Dr. H.S. Bewaja the then DHHP to inquire into curtain into alleged against the officer and Vigilance Department video letter No. PS, SV & ACB, Shimla complaint recommended that appropriate action against the officer needs to be taken in accordance with rules as his act during his tenure as Director of Horticulture has been found suspicious. Thus, the officer has misused his official position and has violated rule 3 (1) (iii) of CCS conduct rules 1964, Secretary Horticulture said in 8 paged chargesheet. (UNI)

#Horticulture, #Uttrakhand, #Amitabh Awasthi, #Baweja