Is IAS Officer Santosh Verma Facing Dismissal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Madhya Pradesh government initiates dismissal of IAS officer Santosh Verma.
- Allegations of forged documents for promotion have surfaced.
- Departmental inquiry concluded his conduct violated service rules.
- Criminal cases related to the allegations are pending.
- Government emphasizes zero tolerance for misconduct.
Bhopal, Dec 11 (NationPress) The government of Madhya Pradesh has initiated the process to dismiss IAS officer Santosh Verma following allegations that his promotion was allegedly obtained using forged documents. A departmental inquiry has concluded that his actions were in violation of service rules, as stated in a government announcement on Thursday.
In a pivotal move executed by the General Administration Department (GAD) under the Chief Minister's orders, the state has recommended his dismissal from the Indian Administrative Service to the Union government.
The statement indicated that “fake and forged promotion orders” were created to promote him from the State Administrative Service to the IAS cadre.
Criminal cases tied to these alleged fabrications are already under review in various courts.
The inquiry found that Verma procured an integrity certificate using fabricated documents. His response to the show-cause notice was deemed inadequate, and officials noted that he continued to make indecent and provocative remarks even during the inquiry.
Consequently, the government has resolved to issue a formal charge sheet against him in accordance with the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.
Verma has been embroiled in several controversies in recent months.
Reports from Indore courts indicate that he allegedly colluded with a judge to create fabricated judgments to secure an acquittal in a domestic case, thereby facilitating his IAS promotion.
Sources claim Verma manipulated judicial records to qualify for promotion through the Departmental Promotion Committee.
In addition to the forgery allegations, Verma has faced criticism for his provocative comments at public events. In one widely circulated video, he made incendiary statements that attracted severe backlash from community organizations and the judiciary.
The government categorized these remarks as “serious misconduct” and a violation of service conduct rules, reinforcing the rationale for disciplinary action.
Following the Chief Minister's directives, the GAD has now removed Verma from his position as Deputy Secretary in the Agriculture Department.
He has been reassigned to the GAD pool without any official duties, effectively sidelining him from administrative responsibilities.
By recommending his dismissal to the Centre and advancing departmental charges, the state has signaled a zero-tolerance policy towards fraudulent promotions and misconduct.
The final verdict now lies with the Union government, which will act on the proposal for Verma’s removal from the IAS.