Revocation of Durga Shakti Nagpal's suspension delayed decision: IAS body

NEW DELHI: The decision to revoke the controversial suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal is a delayed decision, central IAS officers' association said today and demanded a mechanism to ensure fair and free working of bureaucrats in the country.

"Everyone know it is a delayed decision (reinstatement of Nagpal). IAS officers' in the country need an environment to work freely and fairly," said Sanjay R Bhoos Reddy, Secretary of central IAS officers association here.

Nagpal's suspension was revoked today by Uttar Pradesh government, nearly two months after she was suspended by the authorities in neighbouring state.

"We had met Minister of State for Personnel and Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) demanding change in rule.

"There has to be a mechanism to check undue pressure on bureaucrats, who work tirelessly for the country," he said.

The IAS officers association, with support from IPS and IFoS officers' bodies, had demanded a shield for its officers working across the country.

They had demanded that the power to transfer an Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer should be taken away from states.

At present, the state government as a cadre controlling authority has powers to transfer or suspend an officer of the elite services working under their jurisdiction.

Nagpal, a 2010 batch IAS officer, was suspended on July 27 ostensibly for ordering demolition of a wall of an under-construction mosque without following the due process.

The 28-year-old officer, as Sub Divisional Magistrate, had taken action against sand mining mafia active in Gautam Budh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh.