West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in a long letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday that she was “shocked and shocked” by the “unilateral order” asking Bengal Chief Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay to report to the Center.
“The Government of Bengal cannot, and is not issuing, its Chief Secretary at this critical time, on the basis of our understanding that the prior order of extension issued after a valid consultation as per applicable laws is current and valid, “Banerjee wrote.
The Indian Express reported that the West Bengal government has decided not to send Bandyopadhyay on central deputation on May 31, the day of his retirement.
Bandyopadhyay was supposed to report to Delhi at 10 am, but Banerjee said in the letter that he would stay and continue to manage the Kovid crisis of his state.
The Chief Secretary was ordered to move to the Center following a dispute over Mamata Banerjee not attending a meeting with PM Modi on Friday.
The Centre’s order issued by the Personnel Ministry said, “The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of the services of Shri Alpan Bandyopadhyay (IAS WB:1987) with the Government of India in accordance with the provisions of Rule 6(1). ) The Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1956 have come into force with immediate effect. “
The order called upon the state government to immediately relieve the chief secretary of the state from his duties. The order of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has asked Bandyopadhyay to report by 10 am on May 31.
Bandyopadhyay was given a three-month extension till 31 August. He was due to retire on May 31. The extension was proposed by the West Bengal government and approved by the central government on 24 May.