Assam Chief Secretary Issues Caution to Top Officials Against Violating Executive Business Rules

N Morigaon

November 22 - Assam's Chief Secretary, the senior-most IAS officer in the state, Paban Kumar Barthakur, issued a government order on November 21, cautioning all Principal Secretaries, Commissioners, and Secretaries of the Assam government to adhere to the provisions outlined in the Assam Rules of Executive Business/2023. Notably, Chief Secretary Paban Kumar Barthakur is set to retire on December 31, 2023.

The government order comes in response to several senior Commissioners and Secretaries allegedly bypassing the stipulated rules and directly forwarding important government files without the required consultation with the Chief Secretary. Such actions are viewed as cases of insubordination.

The issuance of this order has caused significant commotion in Dispur State Secretariat, the administrative headquarters of Assam. Violations of administrative rules and regulations by some top-ranking officials have raised concerns within intellectual circles. Instances of senior bureaucrats allegedly disregarding the authority of the State Chief Secretary have also come to light.

This development underscores the need for adherence to established administrative procedures and maintaining the hierarchy within the state administration.