Truant IAS officers during inspection irks Sisodia

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has asked Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash to seek a written explanation from three senior IAS officers for failing to accompany him during a field inspection of Signature Bridge.

Mr. Sisodia has also directed Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) managing director Shurbir Singh to release ₹26 crore for the smooth functioning of the project.

Mr. Sisodia had on Tuesday inspected the construction site of the much-awaited Signature Bridge on the Yamuna. “I am constrained to point out the careless attitude of the highest officers of the Delhi government in a project which is being monitored by the Delhi High Court,” Mr. Sisodia said in the inspection report.

In the report, Mr. Sisodia said that a notice was given to Principal Secretary of Public Works Department (PWD) Manoj Parida, Tourism Secretary Dilraj Kaur and Mr. Singh, but “unfortunately” the senior IAS officers concerned, who are responsible for the timely completion of the project, “chose not to attend the inspection for reasons better known to them”.

Should have informed

“The presence of these senior IAS officers is absolutely essential and in case they were pre-occupied with some other official engagement they should have had the courtesy of talking to my office and rescheduled the visit,” Mr. Sisodia said.