Central government sources said on Wednesday that former West Bengal chief secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay’s conduct has severely dented the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the “steel frame of India” as envisioned by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. “He arrived late at the venue accompanying chief minister Mamata Banerjee and left in a haste accompanying her,” sources said, adding that questions over his conduct are significant as a chief secretary “can’t be working like a personal staff” of the chief minister. Also Read | Mamata Banerjee urges PM Modi to cancel bureaucrat’s Central deputation“What would’ve happened if central government officers refused to attend meetings called by the chief secretary? However, the West Bengal government refused to relieve him. Bandyopadhyay retired as chief secretary on May 31 and was appointed by CM Mamata Banerjee as her special advisor.

Source: Hindustan Times June 02, 2021 15:56 UTC