DC for action against food supplies controller over dereliction of duty

Karnal DC Uttam Singh has recommended action against Karnal District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) Anil Kalra for alleged gross misconduct, dereliction of duty and blatant disregard for official responsibilities.

The DC sent a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Chandigarh, saying Kalra was absent without prior persmission for two days — October 5 and 6 — when the Assembly poll and paddy procurement were underway.

There was a restriction on leaving the district under any circumstances without prior permission in view of the Haryana Assembly elections, he said.

“The DFSC, Kalra, was appointed as the nodal officer for fuel and food-related logistics during the elections. Additionally, the district was facing challenges as the paddy procurement was being delayed due to boycott by millers. It resulted in further delay in the purchase and lifting operations at mandis. Kalra was absent from the district on October 5 and 6 without prior permission, leaving his designated duties completely unattended,” the DC said in his letter.

The DC said his absence severely disrupted the coordination required for smooth election operations, directly impacting the preparedness of poll-related activities.

The DC said when Kalra was asked over phone to return to the district immediately on October 6, he remained absent from duty.

The DC said when questioned about his absence, Kalra cited his trip to Bhiwani on October 5 to cast his vote as the reason, which further highlighted his gross negligence.

“It is essential to emphasise that officers on election duty are expressly required to remain in their jurisdictions and not abandon their responsibilities during the this period. Due to these grave violations, disciplinary action is required against him,” he said.