In a strong move against corruption and misconduct among government employees, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has rejected the appeals of two former Municipal Corporation of Delhi teachers and upheld their dismissal from service in separate cases of serious misconduct.
Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption
Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has taken a firm stand against delinquent officials by formally rejecting the appeals submitted by two former MCD teachers. The LG office has confirmed that the penalties imposed by the MCD Commissioner in two distinct cases will stand, denying any relief to the individuals involved.
According to the official release from the LG office, Saxena has upheld the penalties of "Removal from Service" and "Dismissal from Service" against the former teachers, emphasizing that such misconduct cannot go unpunished.
Funds Embezzlement Case: Naresh Kumar Meena
In the first case, Naresh Kumar Meena, a former MCD teacher, faced the penalty of "Removal from Service" for his involvement in a funds embezzlement case at the school. The incident occurred during the academic year 2019-2020 when Meena was serving as the school in-charge of Municipal Corporation Primary School, Chuna Mandi, Karol Bagh.
Investigations revealed that Meena committed gross misconduct by embezzling funds amounting to Rs. 6,16,962 from the school's accounts. The official note highlighted that he withdrew these funds in cash, which was strictly prohibited, and failed to maintain proper records of the school's financial transactions.
Adding to the severity of his actions, Meena forged the signature of another teacher on the Utilisation Certificate. Following a thorough inquiry, the MCD Commissioner imposed the penalty of removal from service, which has now been upheld by the Lieutenant Governor.
Train Theft Case: BBR Patil
In the second case, BBR Patil, another former MCD teacher, received the penalty of "Dismissal from Service" for his involvement in a theft case aboard the Dehradun Shatabdi Express. The incident dates back to April 1, 2017, when Patil was convicted by the court under Section 147, read with Section 179 of the Indian Railways Act.
The MCD Commissioner observed that Patil had been convicted on charges involving moral turpitude, which warranted the severe penalty of dismissal from service. This decision has now been reinforced by Lieutenant Governor Saxena's rejection of the appeal.
LG's Strong Observations
After hearing both matters, Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena made significant observations about the cases. He expressed particular concern that the appellants were teachers entrusted with shaping young minds but failed to exemplify the honesty and moral standards expected from educators.
"What is all the more appalling is the fact that the Appellants are teachers entrusted with the task of shaping young minds," Saxena observed. "They are expected to exemplify honesty, moral standards and discipline within and outside the institution."
The LG further emphasized that sustained moral turpitude and habitual misconduct amounting to petty thefts over a long period render such persons incapable of discharging the responsibility of shaping children during their formative years.
He stated that the appellants' conviction on charges involving moral turpitude has made them wholly unfit for continuation in Municipal service, especially as primary teachers. Their conduct was described as grossly unbecoming of government servants and constituting a violation of Rule 3 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964.
Broader Crackdown on Delinquent Officials
The official note added that since assuming office as Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, Saxena has maintained a strict approach against delinquent officials across various departments including GNCT of Delhi, MCD, DDA, and Police.
His administration has shown zero tolerance towards officials involved in cases of corruption, negligence towards duties, and moral turpitude. This latest decision reinforces the government's commitment to maintaining integrity and accountability among public servants, particularly those in educational roles where they influence future generations.
