The regional manager of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation, Capt V V Ratnaparkhi, has been suspended for his alleged involvement in a recruitment scam, financial irregularities and misuse of official vehicles.
This is the first time in almost 15 years that such a senior officer of MSRTC has been placed under suspension. Also, the first time in Nagpur that an officer occupying the post of regional manager has been suspended.
The suspension order, signed by MSRTC Managing Director Uttam Khobragade, was issued to Ratnaparkhi on Saturday morning, it was learnt, although there is no official word yet on the action.
The major charge against Ratnaparkhi is that of dereliction of duty. According to reliable sources, Ratnaparkhi was careless and casual during the recruitment of drivers and conductors for the public utility. The vacancies could not be filled up during the peak season because of the carelessness on Ratnaparkhi's part, it was stated.
Besides, Ratnaparkhi is alleged to have travelled to MSRTC headquarters by air without authorisation and gone on unnecessary 'inspection tours' to locations within and outside Maharashtra, thereby causing financial loss to the organisation.
Ratnaparkhi is understood to have been charged with several other irregularities, like appointing employees when their case of suspension was in court and travelling by air without approval.
A three-member committee consisting of Deputy General Manger Dr V V Palladwar, Chief Statistical Officer G G Bharati and Accounts Officer Anantpure enquired into the charges against Ratnaparkhi. The committee submitted its report on Thursday, prompting Saturday's action.
Ratnaparkhi had assumed charge in Nagpur on March 5, 2004, and has about 12 years to go for his retirement. Regional Engineer B G Kaikade will now hold additional charge as regional manager.
Central India News Service
