Mehra can write ACRs

The Ministry,in a confidential communiqué,has even indicated that there would be a ‘status quo ante’ (no change in the orders) on the instructions pertaining to the Advisor’s powers to write ACRs.

The communication sent to the UT Home Secretary by the Director,Ministry of Home Affairs, termed the withdrawal of the Advisor’s powers as a “clear departure from the laid down guidelines of the Government of India”.

The letter signed by Ashwani Kumar,Director,Ministry of Home Affairs,states: “I am directed to say that it has been brought to the notice of this Ministry that instructions have been issued to the Personnel Secretary/Home Secretary,Chandigarh,that ACRs of any subordinate officer would not be put up to the Advisor,in any capacity for the year 2008-09. This is clear departure from laid down guidelines of the Government of India”.

“The Ministry is of the firm view that the prevalent channel of writing ACRs of subordinate officers by the Advisor be restored forthwith and status quo ante is maintained,” the letter further reads.

Based on an anonymous letter alleging misuse of the Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Corporation (CITCO) funds at Advisor’s residence in New Delhi,which reached the Punjab Raj Bhawan last year,UT Administrator General Rodrigues had referred the matter to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

Based on the recommendation forwarded by the Administrator,the CVC had initiated an unprecedented inquiry against the Advisor.

Later, Gen Rodrigues withdrew Mehra’s powers to write ACRs of subordinate officers. Despite the CVC giving a clean chit to Mehra on February 21,2009,the Administrator did not revoke the order. The matter was then brought to the Ministry of Home Affairs.