UP Gov returns file proposing former chief secy as CIC

This is the third major setback for the Akhilesh government in the past three months ever since Naik took over as Governor.

Governor Ram Naik has returned the file recommending former Chief Secretary Jawed Usmani’s name for the post of Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of UP.

Naik has asked the state government to first send a clearance report from Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on Usmani, who is serving as chairman of UP Board of Revenue, before he would consider his name for the post.

Sources said Usmani’s role is under CBI scanner in connection with the alleged coal scam that had hit the UPA II government when the coal portfolio was with the then Prime Minister. Usmani was then posted as Joint Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office.

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A selection committee headed by Chief Minister had held discussions on November 3 and decided on Usmani’s name for the CIC’s post. Usmani had applied for the post that fell vacant in July this year.

“The Governor reviewed the file and, after taking legal opinion, concluded that the CVC report for appointment on constitutional posts, especially that of CIC, is must. Since Usmani is a serving bureaucrat, the report has to come from CVC. Thus, the government has been asked to send the CVC report along with the proposal for his name,” confirmed a Raj Bhawan officer.

This is the third major setback for the Akhilesh government in the past three months ever since Naik took over as Governor.

Firstly, Naik had sought explanation from the government on the urgency shown in according cabinet minister status to the chairman of the state Minority Commission. The issue is pending with the government yet to send its reply.

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More recently, the Governor questioned the need of another ordinance to establish a medical university in Gautam Budh Nagar when the session of the House has already been called.

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