Mumbai, March 13 (NationPress) The Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Rahul Narwekar, has instructed the Legislative Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil to present a report by March 16 regarding the actions taken against the Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries absent during the budget grants discussion. This discussion covered the urban development, social justice and special assistance, housing, tourism, cultural affairs, and welfare for other backward classes.

The directive followed a concern raised by NCP SP legislator and former minister Jayant Patil, who pointed out to the chair that despite previous instructions, none of the senior bureaucrats were present in the officers’ gallery during the budget grants discourse.

Patil urged the Speaker to address this issue with the necessary seriousness.

Speaker Narwekar acknowledged the gravity of the situation, ordering Minister Patil to report back to the assembly on Monday regarding the absence of the additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries.

Previously, on March 10, Narwekar had issued a strict warning to the bureaucracy, asserting that the House possesses the authority to enforce appropriate measures if secretary-level officers are found missing during critical legislative sessions.

This warning was issued during the budget debate in the assembly, where it was noted that only four ministers attended while the officers’ gallery was largely unoccupied.

Addressing this issue, former Speaker Dilip Walse Patil from the NCP highlighted the problem of administrative absenteeism.

He emphasized that the budget is a vital topic for the House, stating, “During this debate, senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Finance Secretary, and Planning Secretary, are expected to be present to observe members' sentiments and suggestions. For the quality of discussions to be upheld, we must approach such debates with the seriousness they deserve.”

Walse Patil further stressed the importance of senior departmental heads being present during discussions specific to their departments.

In agreement, Speaker Narwekar stated, “The concern raised about the presence of officials is indeed valid. Although this gallery is 'invisible,' it is mandatory for all senior IAS officers to be present. Previous correspondence has made this clear.”

In issuing a final ultimatum to the state's administrative framework, Narwekar asserted, “This is the last opportunity for the administration. If Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) level officers fail to attend such significant discussions moving forward, the House will be empowered to initiate disciplinary actions against them.”