Haryana-UT cadre tussle intensifies, another HCS opts to return

This development comes a day after Dr Richa, another HCS officer, returned to her parent state after writing to the Administration that she did not wish to continue.

According to sources, after joining the UT Administration, Dr Richa was not allotted an office or driver for days and was posted as l Registrar, Cooperative Societies. Feeling sidelined, she went on leave, and upon her return, was made to sit in the court of the assistant registrar, Cooperative Societies, in the absence of an office.

Key postings going to UT cadre officers

Sources said resentment is brewing among HCS officers as plum postings are increasingly being handed to UT cadre officers.

DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli Civil Service) cadre officers Khushpreet Kaur and Navin are currently holding the dual key charges of Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Estate Officers.

Discontent among Haryana IAS officers too

The disquiet is not limited to HCS officers. Haryana-cadre IAS officers have also been affected.

The crucial charge of Excise and Taxation Commissioner, which is normally with the Deputy Commissioner, a Haryana IAS, has been given to AGMUT cadre officer Hari Kallikkat, who also holds the post of MD, CITCO.

Similarly, the Health Department, earlier handled by the Home Secretary (a senior Haryana-cadre IAS), is now with AGMUT cadre officer Ajay Chagti. After the repatriation of then Home Secretary Arun Gupta, who also held the Health portfolio, the charge has remained with UT officers.

The post of Transport Secretary, once held by then Deputy Commissioner Mandip Brar (Haryana cadre IAS), is now with a Punjab cadre officer. Brar has since been posted as Home Secretary, Chandigarh.

Estate Office fully under UT cadre

All Assistant Estate Officer (AEO) posts are now with UT cadre officers. Khushpreet Kaur and Navin (both DANICS) handle AEO Building and AEO Residential, while Rajiv Tewari, another UT officer, holds the third AEO charge. Earlier, at least one AEO post would go to an HCS officer.

String of Haryana officers returning

The latest exits are part of a larger pattern.
• Shashi Vasundhara, a 2016-batch HCS officer, had last month expressed willingness to return to Haryana while serving as Joint Commissioner, Chandigarh MC.
• Shambhu Rathi, another HCS officer, also wrote to the Administration seeking repatriation.
• Shalini Chetal, while serving as Joint Commissioner in the MC, returned to her parent state earlier.
• Sanyam Garg was relieved by the Chandigarh Administration last year before completing his term.