In a significant administrative action, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maheshwar Janpad Panchayat in Khargone district has been suspended for gross negligence in election-related work. The suspension order came after a major error led to a by-election notification being issued for the incorrect ward.
Notification Issued for Wrong Ward
The controversy began when the Madhya Pradesh State Election Commission sought information regarding vacant posts in district panchayats as of September 30, 2025. In response to this query, CEO Reena Chauhan of Maheshwar Janpad Panchayat provided incorrect information. She reported that Ward No. 9 was vacant, when in reality, the vacancy existed in Ward No. 7 following the death of the elected member.
Based solely on this erroneous report from the CEO, the authorities proceeded to issue an official notification for a by-election in Ward No. 9 and initiated the entire election process. The mistake was only uncovered later through a report submitted by the Tehsildar and Returning Officer, which confirmed that the actual vacant seat was in Ward No. 7.
Unsatisfactory Reply and Disciplinary Action
Following the revelation of the discrepancy, a show-cause notice was issued to CEO Reena Chauhan, demanding an explanation for the lapse. Khargone Collector Bhavya Mittal stated that the reply submitted by Chauhan was found to be unsatisfactory and misleading.
The subsequent inquiry revealed that the CEO had failed to exercise due diligence in her election duties. It was also alleged that she attempted to shift the blame onto subordinate staff members. In a related development, CEO of Zilla Panchayat Khargone, Akash Singh, suspended two other officials—Assistant Grade 3 Ajay Verma and Block Panchayat Officer Ram Lal Barsena—based on an inquiry report.
Commissioner Orders Immediate Suspension
Collector Bhavya Mittal forwarded the inquiry report to the Divisional Commissioner of Indore, Sudam Khade, with a recommendation for strong action against the CEO. Commissioner Khade ordered the immediate suspension of CEO Reena Chauhan.
The disciplinary action was not limited to the election error. The inquiry also substantiated additional charges against Chauhan, including:
- Remaining absent during official office hours.
- Not attending important official meetings.
- General negligence in the discharge of her official duties.
The Commissioner held that these acts amounted to gross indiscipline and constituted violations of the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965.
This incident highlights the critical importance of accuracy and accountability in the electoral process, especially at the grassroots level of panchayat governance. The swift suspension underscores the administration's low tolerance for negligence in matters concerning democratic exercises.
