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Punjab government has suspended two senior IAS officers, Kamal Kishore Yadav and Jaspreet Singh, over the Anganwadi smartphone scam. The delay in providing devices to Anganwadi workers sparked administrative action under the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.
Punjab Government Takes Strict Action Against IAS Officers
Chandigarh: The Punjab government on Saturday suspended two senior IAS officers, Kamal Kishore Yadav and Jaspreet Singh, with immediate effect. This action is related to the Anganwadi smartphone scam, which involved a six-year delay in the purchase of smartphones for Anganwadi workers and a dispute over the selected vendor. The disciplinary action against the officers was taken under the Indian Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.
According to the orders, Jaspreet Singh, Managing Director of the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation Limited (Punjab Infotech), has been suspended with immediate effect. Kamal Kishore Yadav, Administrative Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department, has also been suspended. Kamal Kishore Yadav was additionally holding the post of Administrative Secretary of Investment Promotion and Information Technology Industry Promotion.
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According to the suspension orders, both officers will remain at the headquarters in Chandigarh during the suspension period. They will be provided subsistence allowance as per the rules. The orders were issued in the name of the Governor of Punjab and signed by KAP Sinha, Chief Secretary of the Punjab Government. Copies of the order have been sent to the Government of India and the relevant authorities for information and necessary action.
The government order does not directly state the reason for the suspension. According to sources, the matter relates to the Central Government's Mission Saksham Anganwadi Scheme. Smartphones were to be provided to Anganwadi workers under the scheme, but were delayed by six years. This delay is being attributed to the court action by the selected vendor and administrative sluggishness.
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In addition, two other IAS officers have been transferred in this case, including Vikas Pratap, who served as Additional Chief Secretary in the Social Security Department.
This move is being considered a major administrative action by the Punjab government. According to experts, this suspension is the first step towards future investigations into the Anganwadi scam and strict action against the officials responsible. The suspension of the officers will ensure greater transparency and accountability in this matter.
