More than 10 senior bureaucrats in Maharashtra, including some who have retired, owe the state government over Rs 44 lakhs for overstaying in official accommodation after service or post transfers, an RTI query has found.
In response to the query, the state Public Works Department provided a list of 11 officers who collectively owe the state government over Rs 44 lakh
"There are a total of 11 government officials who are yet to pay their rent for overstaying in their official residence," said city-based activist Anil Galgali, who had filed an application to the Maharashtra government seeking details on the outstanding dues of government officers.
Prominent among those who have defaulted on payment to the state government are -- Additional Director General K L Bishnoi who owes Rs 6,43,451, Deputy Secretary in General Administration Department Venkatesh Bhat (Rs 4,88,071), retired IPS officer Y P Singh (Rs 8,01,448), ex-Transport Commissioner (retd) Dilip Jadhav (Rs 6,40,585), retired Additional DG PK Jain, now a member of RPI(A), (Rs 5,59,624) and retired CIDCO managing director V M Lal (Rs 3,08,972), Galgali said as per the RTI details provided to him.
Besides, retired Mumbai DCP Prakash Pawar owes Rs 2,07,982, retired ACP Crime Branch Prakash Wani -- Rs 1,97,756 and currently serving Deputy Secretary Law and Judiciary B J Tarale owes Rs 1,22,865 to the state government, he said.
After continuous follow-ups by the PWD, retired IPS officer P S Pasricha paid Rs 5,28,672 for overstaying in his official accommodation after being transferred, he said.
Senior IAS officer G S Gill (retd), who vacated his flat after almost one year of retirement, paid Rs 1,47,544 as rent for overstaying in his official flat, Galgali added.
"Why should the state treasury suffer due to these errant officers? If these officials do not pay, then the amount be recovered from their salaries and pension money. If they have retired, then attach their properties. But the state should ensure that pending dues are recovered," Galgali said.
When contacted, Y P Singh said, "The government has to pay me Rs 80 lakhs as my provident fund and other dues which they have withheld for the last nine years. As per rules, the government is required to deduct this Rs 8 lakh which are pending as dues and pay me rest of the amount."
Attempts to contact others in the list of defaulters proved futile.
