handigarh, December 30

A senior officer of the Military Engineer Service has moved the National Commission for Scheduled Castes alleging harassment and discrimination on part of the military authorities over the conduct of disciplinary proceedings.

In his complaint before the commission, DL Bajalia, an Indian Defence Service of Engineers cadre officer, posted as director at Jalandhar, has averred that he was being implicated as he had banned a couple of private firms dealing with the MES over irregularities committed by them in connivance with an Army officer when he was posted as Commander Works Engineer at Jabalpur.

Bajalia has contended that a Technical Board of Officers (TBO), held to investigate lapses, which blamed him with generalised remarks for failures in superintendence and not exercising due diligence in vigilance administration, did not give him any opportunity.

In 2018, a Court of Inquiry (COI) was ordered, and based upon its findings, the Army officer was absolved but action was recommended against two JCOs. In addition, five MES civilian officials, who were called as witnesses, were issued show-cause notices.

Contending that a COI is applicable only to military personnel under the Army Act, Bajalia has averred that civilian employees are governed by the Central Civil Service Rules and under the MoD policy in vogue, any culpability of civilian MES staff cannot be investigated by a COI. He has also pointed out that the CoI in this case did not have technical officers as was required. — TNS