Harassment of IAS officers

Sir,
“Kindly refer to the news item ‘IAS association demands revocation of officer’s” Suspension’) DE, July 30, 2013). The suspension of Durga Shakti Nagpal, a 2009- batch IAS officer, posted as SDM of Gautam Budha Nagar (U.P) by the U.P Govt. allegedly for getting a wall of   a disputed place of worship removed without following legal process, has evoked strong reaction from IAS association and opposition political parties. The 28 year old officer who got her first posting in the state barely ten months ago is said to have cracked down on the sand mafia. It is sad and unfortunate that instead of appreciating our honest and bold officers who dare to take on the land mafia, sand mafia and other criminals, the Govt. deem it fit to harass and victimize them.
It seems that there is no room for honesty and dedication in our country. The officers are bullied by the mafias and politicians and treated more as their puppets rather than the public servants. Such officers as don’t dance to the tune of the politicians   are victimized by those at the helm of affairs by ordering their transfer to odd stations / departments. The Govt. must realize that the IAS officers and other bureaucrats and employees are paid out of the tax paid by the public and they should be held accountable to the public as such and not to the politicians.
In the prevailing circumstances, it is really tough for an officer of integrity to discharge his/her duties in a fearless manner without compromising her conscience. Honest and steadfast officers such as Ashok Khemka of the Haryana IAS cadre who didn’t compromise with his moral scruples, has been transferred 40 times during  his service period of twenty one years.Such efficient and honest officers deserve to be rewarded, and not punished or victimized. The officers however, on their part need to exercise restraint and not go beyond their constitutional obligations and powers. They should act well within their respective jurisdiction and not order actions which don’t fall within their competence. The young CM of UP has agreed to review the suspension order of the said officer and it is time that the said suspension order is revoked and the officer is reinstated immediately to restore the credibility of the State Govt. The sooner, the better.
Yours etc…
Ashok Sharma
Flat No. A/4 Housing Colony, Udhampur