Don't blame Nehru. MP IAS officer deserves action for grave violation of law

The removal of Madhya Pradesh IAS officer Ajay Singh Gangwar as district collector of Barwani for his remarks on Facebook is the lightest of punishment which could be given. In fact, the babu deserves to be severely punished - not for speaking in favour of Jawaharlal Nehru, as is being made out in all reports, but for grave violation of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

Gangwar, who was booted out to the state secretariat as a deputy secretary, breached the Conduct Rules on three counts.

In his Facebook post, the IAS officer wrote: “Pls let me know the mistakes Nehru should not have committed… It was his mistake if he didn’t allow you to become a Hindu Talibani Rashtra in 1947... It was his mistake that he brought IIT, ISRO, BARAC, IISB, IIM, BHEL STEEL PLANT, DAMS, THERMAL POWER (sic)”.

“… it was his mistake that he gave respect to SARABHAI, HOMI JAHANGEER instead of INTELLECTUAL like Asaram and Ramdev... It was his blunder that he opened university in place of Goshala and Mandir... It was his mistake that he showed you a scientific way in place of superstition... Gandhi family needs to apologise to the nation for such mistakes (sic).”

Now, take a look at what clause 7 (i) of the Conduct Rules states:

"Criticism of Government - No member of the Service shall, in any radio broadcast or communication over any public media or in any document published anonymously, pseudonymously or in his own name or in the name of any other person or in any communication to the press or in any public utterance, make any statement of fact or opinion,

"i. Which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the Central Government or a State Government... Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to any statement made or views expressed by a member of the Service in his official capacity and in the due performance of the duties assigned to him."

1. Taking on MP government and chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Gangwar has committed the blunder of criticising his own (Madhya Pradesh) government which vigorously pursues promotion of "gaushalas" (cowsheds) for the preservation and augmentation of animal husbandry in the state. The state government has enacted the Madhya Pradesh Bovine Slaughter Prohibition Act, 2004, through which slaughtering of all species of bovine animals as well transporting the animals with the intention of slaughtering is completely prohibited. Gaupalan Evam Pashu Samvardhan Board (Cow-rearing and Animal Augmentation Board) has been formed and which has registered hundreds of gaushalas throughout the state.

Besides, the ambitious Nandishala Yojana was launched with a view to conserving and augmenting categorised/non-categorised animals of bovine species.In fact, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has deep personal interest in preservation of cows and other bovine creatures. He plans to start a gaushala with 50 cows to promote usage of cow products. His predecessors, Babulal Gaur and Uma Bharati, too, nursed love for the bovine species.

Hence, can he be trusted with promoting the government's pet project and policy? No.

Moreover, preserving bovine species finds mention in the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Madhya Pradesh is only following it. Even Mahatma Gandhi was against cow slaughter and in the favour of their preservation.

2. Spreading hatred in society and indulging in politics

It does not become of an IAS, that too someone occupying the chair of the district collector who has direct dealings with the public to speak on religious lines in a derogatory manner. By talking about "Hindu Taliban", Gangwar overstepped his brief. He spoke more like a politician than a bureaucrat. In his FB post, he was trying to emulate former Union home minister P Chidambaram who is accused of giving religious colour to terrorism by coining "saffron" and "Hindu" terror.

He violated Clause 3 of the Conduct Rules which states:

"General - 3(1) Every member of the Service shall at all times maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and shall do nothing which is unbecoming of a member of the Service.

"3(2) Every member of the Service shall take all possible steps to ensure integrity of, and devotion to duty by, all Government servants for the time being under his control and authority.

"(2A) Every member of the service shall in the discharge of his duties act in a courteous manner and shall not adopt dilatory tactics in his dealings with the public or otherwise."

His remark on Hindu Taliban has the potential to disturb communal harmony. There have been sharp reactions from BJP supporters from the state. Subsequently, Gangwar deleted his post. Though bureaucrats are not to reveal their political leanings, this IAS has done just the opposite.

The IAS officer is seen defending the Gandhi family in his remark. Though a public servant is expected to possess integrity, the former district collector is surely lacking this essential quality.

3. Disregard for reputation of private citizens

Gangwar indulged in loose talk on public forum which does not behove of a senior bureaucrat. He dragged the name of Yoga guru Baba Ramdev without any rhyme or reason. Asaram Bapu may be an accused in rape and molestation case, but there is no case against the Yoga guru. Leave aside Ramdev, Gangwar did not have the right to name any private individual, how so ever famous or common that person may be. It exposes the babu's deep-rooted hatred for a private person. Suppose Ramdev had approached him seeking permission for holding a yoga camp or opening a Patanjali shop, Gangwar would certainly have turned it down, not on the basis of merits of the case but due to his personal bias. A public servant is not supposed to carry such malice towards the common man.

Talking to Hindustan Times, Gangwar said that it was his personal opinion “meant for a discussion exclusively among Facebook friends and is a kind of satire. Some may agree and some may not. I don’t think expressing opinion on a subject in such a manner amounts to making a political comments and violates Central Civil Services (conduct) Rules”.

However, when his confabulations have become public, it no more remains personal. He deserves severe punishment for breaching his duty on multiple counts.