Dehradun: The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has suspended Brijendra Pandey, District Tourism Development Officer, Dehradun, with immediate effect, proposing disciplinary action against him. The action was taken through an order issued by the Board’s Chief Executive Officer, Dheeraj Singh Garbyal.
According to the suspension order, while serving as District Tourism Development Officer in Dehradun, a video along with related information alleging corruption in the release of grant funds under the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Homestay Scheme went viral on social media. A preliminary inquiry into the matter found the officer prima facie guilty, on the basis of which this disciplinary action has been proposed against him.
For a detailed investigation into the case, the Board’s Additional Chief Executive Officer, Narendra Singh Bhandari, has been appointed as the inquiry officer. He will carry forward the necessary proceedings as per the applicable rules and submit his report to the Board.
The order clarifies that during the period of suspension, Brijendra Pandey will receive a subsistence allowance in accordance with the provisions of Fundamental Rule 53 under Section 4, Volume 2 of the Uttarakhand Government Servants’ Rules Compendium, equal to half of his average pay or half pay leave salary. Dearness allowance will also be admissible where eligible, though no claim for dearness allowance or other adjustment based on pre-suspension pay will be valid. Payment will be made only after Brijendra Pandey submits a certificate confirming that he is not engaged in any other employment, business, or profession As per the order, during the suspension period Brijendra Pandey will be attached to the headquarters of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board in Dehradun.
Notably, the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Homestay Scheme is an ambitious initiative of the Uttarakhand government, under which local residents are given grants to build homestays in order to promote rural tourism in the state. Taking the allegations of irregularities in the scheme seriously, the Board has acted swiftly, sending a clear signal that no lapses in the disbursement of grants will be tolerated.