Gujarat: 12 street lights fail on PM Modi’s route in Vadodara district; municipality official suspended for six days | Today’s news
A Gujarat municipality official has been suspended for six days after 12 street lights on a road traveled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi were found to be out of order on October 31, while several others were flashing.
Mahesh Vasava, the officer-in-charge of the lighting department at Dabhoi municipality in Vadodara district, has been suspended as per the suspension order for allegedly being negligent in maintaining street lights despite the civic body’s directions, The Indian Express reported.
The order, issued on October 31 by Dabhoi Chief Magistrate Viraj Shah, directed Vasava to appear before the “competent authority” after the suspension period and explain the alleged negligence.
The action was taken under Section 48 of the Gujarat Municipalities Act, 1963, which provides for the imposition of penalties “for good and sufficient reasons… on any officer or employee of a municipality”.
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Why Gujarat Municipal Officer Suspended?
According to the suspension order, the municipality has assigned responsibilities to various departments with regard to the movement of VIPs in the area. These included “cleanliness, control of stray cattle and maintenance of public lighting”.
As the officer-in-charge of the lighting department, ensuring proper functioning of street lights was one of Vasava’s primary duties, the order said.
However, despite instructions from the municipality, the official failed to ensure that the required repairs were completed on time.
“Though you have been instructed by this authority, you have failed to ensure timely execution of necessary repairs. Therefore, you are suspended under Section 48 of the Gujarat Municipal Act, 1963,” the suspension letter said.
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The order identified the affected stretch as the road from Sinor Junction through Bhogol area to Sarita Bridge. It said 12 streetlights along the route were “not working” while some others were flashing.
Why did PM Modi travel by road in Gujarat?
Prime Minister Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries were scheduled to travel by helicopter to the Vadodara airport after attending National Unity Day celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar on October 31.
However, as darkness fell, Modi and other dignitaries traveled approximately 90 km by road to the Vadodara airport instead of a helicopter.
The highway connecting Vadodara to the Statue of Unity passes outside Dabhoi, with several key roads in the city leading to it.
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The official asked for an explanation of the alleged negligence
The suspension order directed Vasava to appear before the competent authority at 11:00 a.m. on November 6 for a personal hearing and to submit an explanation for the non-fulfilment of his duties.
It also referred to previous repeated complaints against the official.
Sources said Indian Express that the action is being considered as a result of other ongoing investigations into certain works done by Vasava.
The additional charge and duties assigned to him were also withdrawn.
