Inside the Secretariat: Reforms, Suspensions, Accountability Push

Gujarat Told to Update Online Data or Face Action

The Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission (GARC) has advised the government to ensure all websites and apps are updated and user-friendly. However, many departmental websites still show outdated data, sometimes 7-10 years old, with only the upload date changed.

Several portals are incomplete or inaccessible. Departments like Industry, Education, Urban Development, Roads and Buildings, and Home are among the worst offenders. Despite oversight by the Science and Technology Department and NIC, even basic updates like official name changes are neglected.

Now, based on GARC’s recommendations, a government circular is expected, warning of disciplinary action against officers who fail to maintain digital platforms properly.

Suspended IAS Officers Face Uncertain Future

Suspended IAS officers Ayush Oak and K Rajesh are unlikely to return to service soon as investigations into serious allegations continue. Oak, formerly Surat’s District Collector, was suspended in June 2024 for his alleged role in a Rs 2,000 crore land scam.

Rajesh, former Collector of Surendranagar, faces charges including illegal weapon licenses, unauthorised land transfers, and misuse of forest land. Both have been raided by the CBI, and their reinstatement appears highly doubtful.

Senior Gujarat Officers Set to Visit Japan for Expo 2025

Four top IAS officers — Mamta Verma, Praveena D K, P Swaroop, and K K Sampat — will represent Gujarat at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Their official visit is scheduled between May 4 and May 14.

During their absence, responsibilities will be temporarily transferred to other senior officials. Although the Chief Minister initially planned to attend, he postponed the trip due to current priorities. The Expo, which began on April 13, revolves around the theme “Designing the Future Society for Our Lives".

Fake Facebook Profiles of Officials Spark Alarm

An increasing number of fake Facebook accounts are being created using the identities of senior bureaucrats in Gujarat. While earlier targets were political figures, now top IAS and IPS officers are being impersonated for financial fraud.

Recent victims include Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and Food and Drugs Commissioner Hemant Koshiya. Complaints have been lodged, and many officials are now removing personal photos from social media to prevent misuse.

Two IFS Officers Promoted, One On Central Deputation

B P Pati and R K Sugur, two senior officers in Gujarat’s Forest Department, have been promoted. Pati, currently serving with the Ministry of Coal in Delhi, has been promoted under the IFS (Pay) Rules, 2016. Sugur will continue his current role in the Social Forestry Department in Gandhinagar as Chief Conservator of Forests.

GARC May Soon Target Corruption

GARC has been actively suggesting reforms to streamline administration and improve public service delivery. Having already submitted two reports to the Chief Minister, the commission emphasises procedural transparency and efficiency. Officials hint that future reports may also address corruption, especially within police departments, where complaints of bribery and extortion are growing.

Privatisation Fears Grow Over Gujarat’s ITIs

A NITI Aayog report has criticised the condition of Gujarat’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), revealing poor job placement rates and outdated infrastructure. Nearly 4,000 of the 10,004 approved seats are vacant, and female enrollment is just 18.78 per cent.

Although the government signed an MoU with Tata to modernise training under a Rs 600 crore plan, concerns are mounting about potential privatisation. Some ministers oppose handing control to private entities, warning of negative consequences.

(with inputs from Gautam Purohit and Sanjay Vibhakar)