MHA suspends key Delhi govt officers for ’lapses’ in ensuring lockdown

New Delhi: Quick on the heels of hundreds of migrant labourers gathering in large numbers at Delhi's Anand Vihar, over the last two days, the Central government on Sunday initiated disciplinary proceedings against four senior officers of the Delhi government.

The Union home ministry on Sunday suspended with immediate effect Additional Chief Secretary of the Transport Department, and Principal Secretary, Finance and Divisional Commissioner (GNCTD), while also issuing a showcase notice to Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Land Buildings Departments, GNCTD and the Sub divisional magistrate of Seelampur SDM Seelampur.

"It has been brought to the notice of the competent authority that the officers, who were responsible to ensure strict compliance to the instructions issued by Chairperson, National Executive Committee, formed under Disaster Managment Act 2005 regarding containment of spread of COVID-19, have prima facie failed to do so," the ministry said on Sunday night.

While the ministry did not officilaly reveal the cause of the disciplinary action, a person familiar with the development said that the crowds at Anand Vihar had "jeopardized the safety of crores of other citizens" in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

"These officers have failed to ensure public health and safety during the lockdown restrictions to combat COVID-19. Due to the serious lapses in performance of their duties, the competent authority has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officers," the ministry said.