Non-payment of dues: Rights panel seeks ATR

Patna: The Bihar Human Rights Commission (BHRC) on Monday sought an action taken report from Samastipur DM in a matter pertaining to non-payment of dues to an Urdu translator despite availability of funds.

According to a complaint registered with the BHRC, Urdu translator Abul Hashan Ansari pleaded that he was kept under suspension for ten years (2000 to 2010) and even after found innocent he was not paid his dues on the ground of non-availability of funds till December 2013, when he retired.

When the commission asked for response from the Cabinet (Rajbhasha) department, the director (Urdu) informed the BHRC that regular grants to the tune of Rs 7.46 crore were given to Samastipur DM between 2010 and 2014 and the DM even surrendered Rs 19 lakh to the Urdu directorate.

BHRC member Neelmani said, “The Samastipur DM was then directed to ensure payment of dues to the petitioner and take action against officers for inaction so far. The commission was informed in May that dues amounting to Rs 20.36 lakh has been paid to the petitioner. But the reply of the Samastipur deputy collector (legal section) that Rs 19 lakh were not surrendered appears to be evasive and also not sent with the DM’s approval.”

Maintaining that payment of Rs 20.36 lakh dues to the petitioner is not sufficient and the persons guilty for inaction need to taken to task to prevent recurrence of such apathy, Neelmani said, “The DM should explain for non-payment to the petitioner despite availability of funds and why the funds were surrendered without payment to the petitioner.” The action taken report is sought by the commission by August 30, failing which the commission will direct the Samastipur DM for his personal appearance.

Courtesy: TNN