By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 1 Jul: The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDC) has suspended Dehradun District Tourism Development Officer Brijendra Pandey with immediate effect following allegations of corruption in the release of grant funds under the Deendayal Upadhyay Home-Stay Scheme. Departmental disciplinary proceedings have been contemplated against him. The action follows some videos and information that had gone viral on social media alleging that bribes had been demanded for sanctioning subsidy amounts.
The suspension order issued by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of UTDC, Dheeraj Singh Garbyal states that preliminary scrutiny of the complaints and videos indicated prima facie involvement of the officer, leading to his immediate suspension. Â The matter pertains to the Home-Stay Scheme, which aims to promote tourism and generate employment in rural areas by providing financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries for developing home-stays. Allegations surfacing on social media claim that bribes were sought for releasing subsidy amounts, prompting swift departmental action.
For impartial investigation, Additional Chief Executive Officer Narendra Singh Bhandari has been appointed as the inquiry officer. He has been directed to examine the authenticity of the allegations, viral videos, documents and other evidence, and to submit his report for further action. If the charges are substantiated, strict disciplinary measures may follow.
During the suspension period, Brijendra Pandey will remain attached to the headquarters of Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in Dehradun and will not be permitted to leave without approval. He will be entitled to subsistence allowance as per financial rules, subject to certification that he is not engaged in any other employment or business during the suspension.
The government claims that the department’s decision has sent a strong message against corruption in government schemes. Interestingly, the suspension is based solely on social media complaints which indicate unusual seriousness with which such allegations are now being treated. The order also makes clear that the action is based on preliminary facts and the final decision will depend on the outcome of the departmental inquiry.
It may also be reminded that the government has been aggressively promoting flagship schemes like the Deendayal Upadhyay Home-Stay Scheme to push self-employment in the tourism sector and this scheme is considered a vital initiative for boosting tourism and self-employment in Uttarakhand. The inquiry report will determine the course of disciplinary and possible legal action against the suspended officer.
