STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: The government on Friday ordered suspension of Incharge ARTO Ramesh Kumar Samotra for non-compliance of transfer order.
Romesh Kumar Samotra, I/c ARTO, Reasi on July 27, 2020 was transferred and posted as I/c ARTO, Kishtwar, relieving I/c ARTO, Doda of the additional charge of the post but instead of joining new place of posting, Samotra approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), and by mis-presenting the facts obtained stay order dated July 31, 2020 which is reproduced as ‘The respondents are directed to allow the applicant to continue at Reasi, if not already relieved’,” reads the order issued by Hirdesh Kumar, Commissioner/Secretary, Transport Department.
“Samotra obtained the above order from the CAT with the condition that the applicant be allowed to continue as I/c ARTO, Reasi, if not relieved, notwithstanding the fact that the applicant was deemed to have relieved in the transfer order itself,” it stated and added “Rajesh Gupta, I/c ARTO who was posted as I/c ARTO, Reasi joined on July 31, 2020 in compliance to the Government Order and his official account on Vahan Portal was activated and official account of Romesh Kumar Samotra was closed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) as per the routine.”
It added an explanation was called by the Department from Romesh Samotra, under orders of transfer as I/c ARTO, Klshtwar vide letter No. TR-ll/MVD/2015-II dated August 13, 2020, with the direction to explain his position In this regard, as to why the action as warranted In terms of J&K, Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956 would not be initiated against him.
Transport Commissioner, J&K on September 15, 2020 reported that due to non-joining of Romesh Samotra, the official work of the ARTO Office, Reasi suffered badly and caused great inconvenience to the general public of District Reasi in view of undue interference of transferee in the office of ARTO, Reasi, it stated adding that the case was further examined in the Department and on September 29, 2020, the Transport Commissioner, J&K, Jammu, was instructed to issue a Memo to Romesh Samotra to immediately join his new place of posting i.e. I/c ARTO, Kishtwar within two days.
Romesh Samotra, has not complied the transfer order/instructions issued by the Administrative Department and till date he did not join the new place of posting viz. I/c ARTO, Kishtwar, it stated.
For non-compliance of aforesaid Government Order/instructions, disciplinary action requires to be taken against Romesh Kumar Samotra, in terms of rule 31 of J&K, Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956, the order stated.
“Now, therefore, in view of the facts elucidated above, pending enquiry into his conduct, Romesh Kumar Samotra, I/c ARTO (under orders of transfer as I/c ARTO, Kishtwar) is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect, interms of Rule 31 of J&K, Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956 and he shall remain attached in the office of Regional Transport Officer, Jammu till further orders,” it further added.
