In the wake of controversial comments made by MP Trivendra Singh Rawat regarding an IAS officer, the Uttarakhand IAS Association has released a resolution expressing concern over the remarks and announcing plans to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister.
The controversy began when Rawat, the MP from Haridwar and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, raised an issue in Parliament on Thursday about alleged illegal mining in several districts of Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Rawat claimed that illegal mining was becoming rampant in the state, particularly at night. However, the mining secretary, Brijesh Sant, swiftly denied these allegations, stating that the claim was “baseless” and “false,” supported by data showing an increase in mining revenue.
On Saturday, Rawat responded to the statement by the mining secretary, saying, “A lion doesn’t hunt dogs,” a comment that drew criticism and concern from the IAS association.
In a meeting held on Sunday, the Uttarakhand IAS Association issued a statement expressing its members’ right to dignity and self-respect. The association stressed that such remarks could harm the morale of its members, potentially affecting their efficiency and work capacity. “Individuals, office bearers, institutions, and organizations should refrain from making statements or gestures that harm the self-respect of the Association’s members and their families,” the statement read.
The association also emphasized that its members, as public servants, carry out the policies of elected governments within a constitutional framework, and the administrative machinery must be respected. It reiterated the importance of neutrality and anonymity in governance and urged all sections of society to show respect for the dignity of civil servants.
The IAS Association has decided to submit a memorandum to both the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary, seeking a resolution of the issue and ensuring that the dignity of its members is upheld.
This latest development highlights the growing tension between political figures and the civil services in the state, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the IAS Association’s concerns.
