In a rare and controversial administrative decision, the Maharashtra government has initiated suspension proceedings against a senior IAS officer for allegedly failing to attend a meeting convened by the state’s Environment Minister. The move has sparked heated debate within political and bureaucratic circles.
The development unfolded during an Assembly session where concerns over increasing pollution levels in Chandrapur district were being discussed.
Assembly Uproar Over Officials’ Absence
Protem Speaker Dilip Lande directed action against two senior Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials after they reportedly skipped multiple review meetings called by Environment Minister Pankaja Munde.
The officers named in the suspension order include IAS officer M Devendra Singh, who serves as Member Secretary of the MPCB, and Joint Director Satish Padval.
During the Assembly debate, Minister Munde informed members that key officials had repeatedly failed to appear before her to discuss urgent environmental matters related to industrial pollution in Chandrapur. Taking serious note, Lande described the absence as “gross negligence” and said it amounted to disrespect toward elected representatives and the democratic process.
“It does not matter whether I was serving as protem speaker. I was on the Chair, and the minister’s directions were not respected,” Lande stated while ordering the action.
Political Undercurrents Emerge
The controversy has gained additional attention due to the political dynamics surrounding the MPCB. The board is currently chaired by Siddhesh Kadam, a leader from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, while the Environment Department is under BJP leadership.
This power equation has fueled speculation that the issue may not be limited to administrative discipline but could reflect deeper tensions within the ruling alliance.
BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar further intensified the matter by moving a breach of privilege motion against the MPCB for allegedly ignoring the environment minister’s directives.
Final Decision Pending
A formal file recommending suspension was reportedly forwarded to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for approval. A final decision is awaited.
Administrative experts note that suspension solely for non-attendance at a ministerial meeting is highly uncommon, making this case particularly significant. The episode has reopened debates about accountability, chain of command, and the balance between bureaucratic autonomy and political authority.
