Jual, Mahesh Sharma rap Odisha govt for ‘using’ officers

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, May 11:

Two more Union Ministers – Jual Oram and Mahesh Sharma – Sunday joined Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan in criticizing Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik for his reported remarks on “stoppage” of Central funds for police modernization in the state.

While rejecting the DGP’s reported remarks, the two Union Ministers said that the Chief Minister should take up the matter with the Centre if the state has any grievance rather than engage officers for political activities.

The views of the two Union ministers  came a day after Oil and Natural Gas minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized DGP Marik for the latter’s remark on stoppage of Central funds for police modernization in the state.

“The Chief Minister should talk to the Union Home Minister if the state has any grievance on the subject of Central funds. Why an IPS officer is engaged for making statements?” queried Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram.

Union Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma, who is on a visit to the state, said: “There is no point in an officer taking up the matter. The issue, if any, should be resolved through talks with the Union Home Ministry.”

Union Minister Pradhan had raised the issue on Saturday when he said; “I have heard the recent criticism of Odisha DGP. This is not correct on part of an All India Service Officer to give such a statement.”

“The ruling party in Odisha has been engaging IAS and IPS officers for political activities,” Pradhan had alleged on Saturday.

It may be recalled here that DGP Sanjeev Marik on April 29 had said “Stopping of funds for police modernization will certainly hit the police force. The state earlier used to get Rs 127 crore per annum from different heads for development of the police. The Centre should review its decision.”