AYUSH, Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvinder Goma has given a privilege motion notice to the Assembly Speaker against Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan. He has made serious allegations against the DC for remaining absent during his visit to Mandi a day before Republic Day and ignoring established government protocol.
In a notice sent to Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Friday, Minister Goma stated that he had reached Mandi on January 25 to participate in the Republic Day celebrations. This visit was related to a program of national importance, yet the Deputy Commissioner was neither personally available nor was any formal communication made from his side. No alternative arrangement was also made.
The minister said that despite the arrival of a cabinet minister, the absence of the Deputy Commissioner reflects administrative indifference and lack of responsibility. This is not a case of ordinary administrative lapse. His behavior is a clear violation of government protocol and administrative norms. This has not only hurt the dignity of the constitutional position of an elected representative but also shows disrespect towards the legislature.
According to him, this role of the Deputy Commissioner is a breach of the privilege of the Assembly. The minister has submitted this notice in accordance with Rule 75 of Chapter-12 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly.
Goma has requested the Assembly Speaker to formally accept this notice as a notice of breach of privilege. An explanation should be sought from Deputy Commissioner Mandi Apoorv Devgan on the entire matter. After this notice, there is panic in the bureaucracy. The government is also keeping an eye on the entire sequence of events. Now it remains to be seen what stand the Assembly Speaker takes on this notice and at what level a response is sought from the Deputy Commissioner Mandi.
