CM suspends official for rude behaviour at CG camp

Raipur: In a major development, Chhattisgarh Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai ordered the suspension of Durg janpad panchayat CEO Rupesh Kumar Pandey, effective immediately, over allegations of negligence and rude behaviour towards citizens during a government outreach programme.

The action comes close on the heels of an incident during a public grievance redressal camp organised at Thanod village under the state’s ‘Sushasan Tihar 2026’ initiative.

According to the suspension order issued by the divisional commissioner, Durg, at the behest of the CM, a video clip from the camp purportedly showed the CEO being discourteous with citizens who had gathered to report their grievances.

Taking cognisance of the clip, the collector subsequently submitted a proposal recommending action against the officer.

The order noted that the official failed to discharge his duties appropriately and displayed misconduct during a government-organised public hearing.

It turns out that the errant officer had been served a show-cause notice over his conduct prior to his suspension. His explanation in response to the notice was deemed unsatisfactory, prompting disciplinary action.

The suspension order stated further that the officer’s conduct amounted to a violation of Rules 3 and 3-A of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965, which require government servants to maintain absolute integrity, devotion to duty and courteous behaviour while performing official responsibilities.

Emphasising the accountability of public servants in a democratic system, the order noted that respectful and polite conduct towards citizens forms a core component of public service.

During the period of suspension, Pandey will be entitled to a subsistence allowance as per applicable rules.