M A I N   N E W S

Virendra Singh replaced as UT Adviser
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 10
The Adviser to the UT Administrator, Mr Virendra Singh, was transferred from Chandigarh following the orders of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), late this evening. Till a replacement is found, the Home Secretary, Mr Raminder Singh Gujral, has been given the charge of Adviser in addition to his existing duties, sources confirmed.

Mr Virendra Singh, a controversial 1969 batch IAS officer of the UT cadre, had been posted to Chandigarh on January 8. He was under the scanner of the CBI for having acquired assets beyond his known sources of income. His services have been placed at the disposal of the Government of the National Capital Territory, New Delhi.

The order, the sources said, says “Mr Raminder Singh Gujral (1976, Haryana) will officiate as Adviser in addition to his own duties.”

The MHA is keen on sending Mr Lalit Sharma, Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, as Adviser. Speaking over the phone on Monday, Mr Sharma had refused to comment if he was to be posted here.

Mr Virendra Singh, a 1969 batch IAS officer of the UT cadre, was appointed Adviser after being under suspension for more than two years and this was his first posting after being reinstated.