UP News : Why Was an Officer Accused in the Grain Scam Appointed as Principal Secretary?
Sandesh Wahak English Desk : The influence of Uttar Pradesh’s powerful bureaucracy appears to remain intact even under the government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, which claims a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
In a controversial case, a senior IAS officer accused in a multi-crore grain scam was reportedly shielded despite the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) seeking permission to prosecute him. Instead of action being taken, the case was allegedly sidelined, and the officer was later appointed as Principal Secretary in the Social Welfare Department — a highly influential position.
The issue has resurfaced in the form of a promotion controversy, where nearly 100 lecturers in Sarvodaya schools were elevated to the post of principals. The investigation into this alleged “promotion scam” has reportedly put several senior officials, including the then Principal Secretary and other top अधिकारियों, under scrutiny. Although the government has sent a letter to the appointment department regarding action against the then Principal Secretary and a Special Secretary, there are concerns that the IAS officer may once again escape accountability.
Links to Previous Grain Scam
The officer had earlier come into the spotlight during his tenure as Chief Development Officer (CDO) in Ballia, where alleged irregularities under the Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana led to a multi-crore grain scam.
About five years ago, the EOW sought approval to register a case against this IAS officer — who is currently serving as a Principal Secretary in another department — along with four other officials. While prosecution approval was granted against junior officials, the file concerning senior अधिकारियों was kept pending for years despite sufficient evidence.
Later, the law department reviewed the matter and forwarded a 500-page case diary prepared by the EOW to the appointment department. However, reportedly due to bureaucratic pressure, the government declined to grant prosecution sanction.
The officer, once considered close to Mayawati, had remained away from key postings during previous SP and BJP governments. However, in 2022, circumstances changed, and he was appointed as Principal Secretary (Social Welfare), a position he held for nearly three years.
Office Renovation Sparks Further Questions
The former Principal Secretary, currently in the spotlight over the promotion controversy, also drew attention for extensively renovating his office at Bapu Bhawan. Reports suggest that significant public funds were spent on upgrading the office in a corporate style.
As investigations continue, the case has raised broader questions about accountability within the bureaucracy and whether senior officials will face action or continue to evade scrutiny.
