Pondy CM objects to Das posting, L-G defends

Talking to reporters, Narayansamy said the Home Ministry permitted to appoint Das as a consultant.  However, the Lt Governor appointed him as the consultant-cum-OSD which is a clear violation of the Home Ministry direction and the matter was brought to its notice, he added.

Moreover, Das is doing the same work as he did when he was the Secretary, the CM said,  adding that his contention is that the Lt Governor do not have the right to call officials and hold meetings and as such how could Das do the same. Alleging that Raj Nivas is misusing powers, Narayansamy said that he would take the matter directly to the Home Ministry.

The Chief Minister also said there is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee to collect CSR Funds to undertake developmental works here. When there is such a Committee under his Chairmanship and with District Collector as member secretary, Raj Nivas violated the norms and has been directly contacting companies and collecting CSR funds.

As per his information a sum of Rs 85 lakh was so far collected from companies and the Lt Governor claiming transparency  in all aspects should reveal from whom all the funds were collected and it should be forwarded to the CSR Committee.

Meanwhile, reacting to the allegations, the former IPS officer said, “Raj Nivas is only a facilitator and we do not receive any funds straight from the donors.” “We are not receiving any funds.. the contributions were made voluntarily for the cause of enriching the water resources in villages,” she added.

On the appointment of the retired official as OSD cum consultant, Bedi said Das was engaged in the post with the prior approval of the Union Home Ministry and also with the concurrence of Department of Finance of territorial government. The officer is discharging responsibilities “as per assignments given by Lt Governor,” she maintained.