Bhubaneswar: Alleging 'violation' of AIS Conduct Rules by Odisha 5T Secretary VK Pandian, Congress leader Bijay Kumar Patnaik has written to the Central Government demanding appropriate measures in this regard.

In a letter addressed to the Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India, Patnaik said the name of VK Pandian appears on hoardings bearing the symbol of Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

Patnaik has enclosed with the letter a photograph of such hoarding which was found at Hatibadi Road, Ram Nagar, Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district. 

"The hoarding proclaims that a sum of Rs 20 lakhs been sanctioned for a church during august visit of 5T Secretary VK Pandian. This is a clear violation of Rule 5 of the AIS Conduct Rules," wrote Patnaik.

"He goes around the State and makes public announcements of grants to different institutions, thereby flouting Governmental norms regarding expenditure from the consolidated fund. Any Secretary to the Government who is a party to such announcements without following rules of expenditure sanction is liable for disciplinary action," said Patnaik in the letter.

He has been actively posting on social media the photographs of his pompous visits to the different districts which have distinct political overtones. Such posts are designed to project him as a politician which is not permitted under the Conduct Rules, the Congress leader mentioned.

He goes to public meetings and claims that he has been deputed by the Chief Minister to represent the latter in making announcements of grants. No serving officer is permitted under the Conduct Rules to represent a political functionary in a public meeting, Patnaik said.

"The allegations are serious in nature and set a bad precedent for officers of All India Services in the entire country. Since the officer is presently working as the Private Secretary to the Chief Minister of Odisha, it is futile to expect the Chief Minister to take action against the concerned officer for such violation of the Rules," he wrote in the letter.

Patnaik requested the Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India to institute an enquiry against Pandian and take appropriate measures at the earliest.