Kishanganj/Patna: A rather unusual incident involving Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyay Amrit, a 1991 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, during his visit to Kishanganj on Monday has sparked widespread discussion within administrative circles across the state.
The senior IAS officer reportedly became visibly upset after noticing that the vehicle arranged by the district administration to receive him at the airport bore a West Bengal registration number.
Refusal to Use Vehicle, Alternate Arrangement Made
According to sources, Pratyay Amrit refused to travel in the vehicle and instead proceeded to the Collectorate using the official vehicle of the Purnia Divisional Commissioner.
The development has raised eyebrows, with officials questioning the lapse in protocol and arrangements made by the local administration.
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High-Level Security Meeting Held
Despite the incident, the Chief Secretary went ahead with a scheduled high-level meeting at the Kishanganj Collectorate. The meeting was attended by Director General of Police Vinay Kumar along with District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police from Kishanganj and Araria districts, among others.
Officials of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) were also present during the discussions.
The meeting focused on reviewing security arrangements in the Seemanchal region, particularly in districts bordering Nepal.
Left for Patna Without Lunch
Sources indicated that even after the meeting concluded, the Chief Secretary’s displeasure did not subside. Although he was scheduled to have lunch following the meeting, he chose to skip it and immediately departed for Patna.
The episode has since become a topic of intense discussion within bureaucratic circles, with multiple interpretations and speculations emerging regarding the incident.
Backdrop: Heightened Focus on Border Security
The visit assumes significance in the context of increased focus on security in border districts. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had reviewed the situation in the Seemanchal region and formulated a strategy to curb infiltration and encroachment.
In February, he held a series of meetings across districts such as Purnia, Kishanganj, Katihar, and Araria, engaging with officials and senior SSB officers to develop a comprehensive action plan.
Further Review Expected
Sources suggest that another high-level review meeting on border security is likely to be held in Delhi next month, where Pratyay Amrit and Vinay Kumar are expected to participate.
The recent visit to the region was part of preparatory assessments ahead of this crucial review.
Administrative Circles Abuzz
The incident has triggered conversations around administrative protocol, coordination, and the functioning of district-level arrangements. While no official statement has been issued on the matter, the episode continues to draw attention within governance circles.
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