Center refuses copy of note-sheets on MP Chief Secretary's extension
What's the story
The Center has refused to share a copy of note sheets related to a six-month extension to Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary Basant Pratap Singh, citing a provision of RTI Act that bars disclosure of "third party" information. Singh was in late June given a six-month extension, till December this year, as the Chief Secretary of the state in the poll year. Here's more.
Information denied
Would file an appeal against denial of information: Activist
Activist Ajay Dubey, who had filed an RTI query, said he would file an appeal against the denial as transparency at the highest level was very important. However, Personnel Ministry has shared a noting of the Prime Minister's Office that mentions a note (seeking extension) sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April this year by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Recommendation
Singh's continuation will provide stability to new policies: MP CM
"Presently, the state has embarked on major policy path to provide relief to farmers," Chouhan said. "Basant Pratap Singh is leading the initiative to stabilize 'Bhawantar Bhugtan Yojana' which aims to ensure remunerative price for agriculture produce and 'Asangatith Mazdoor Suraksha Yojana' which will cover almost 1.5cr workers in the state. His continuation shall provide stability and sustainability to the new initiative," Chouhan said.
Appointment
Singh was appointed the Chief Secretary in November 2016
Chouhan had sought a six-month extension from July to December 2018 through the letter dated April 7, 2018. The Personnel Ministry extended Singh's term after two months of receiving the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister's letter to the Prime Minister by issuing an order dated June 22. Singh, a 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was appointed the Chief Secretary in November 2016.
Information
Extension in poll year is second such instance
The extension in a poll year is second such instance. Earlier in 2013, R Parasuram was given extension in service. The Madhya Pradesh elections are due in November this year.