Mallikarjun Kharge writes to PM Modi expressing concern over 'politicisation' of bureaucracy, seeks withdrawal of orders
The Hindu
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to PM Modi alleging misuse of government machinery for political purposes. He objected to orders asking officials to "showcase" achievements of last nine years and soldiers on leave to promote government schemes. He demanded immediate withdrawal of orders to protect democracy and Constitution.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on October 22 wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleging that the government's recent orders asking officials to "showcase" the achievements of the last nine years was "politicisation" of the bureaucracy and demanded their withdrawal.
In his letter, Mr. Kharge objected to the government order issued on October 18 which, he claimed, stated that senior officers of ranks as high as joint secretary, director and deputy secretary are to be deployed to all 765 districts of India as "Rath Prabharis" to "showcase achievements of the last nine years of Government of India".
He also referred to another order of the Ministry of Defence on October 9, 2023, directing soldiers on annual leave to spend time in promoting government schemes, making them "soldier-ambassadors".
"It is no coincidence that the last nine years correspond to your tenure in office. This is of grave concern for multiple reasons," Mr. Kharge said, alleging that senior officers are being deputed for "marketing activity" of the incumbent government.
"It is a clear violation of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which directs that no government servant shall take part in any political activity.
"While it is acceptable for government officers to disseminate information, to make them 'celebrate' and 'showcase' achievements blatantly turns them into political workers of the ruling party.
"The fact that only 'achievements' of the last nine years are being considered, gives away the fact that this is a transparently political order in the run-up to the five state elections and the general elections of 2024," the Congress chief alleged.
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