The suspension of the Member Secretary of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has caused a political uproar in the state. The move has highlighted the power dynamics within the ruling alliance. The MPCB, led by Siddhesh Kadam of the Shiv Sena, operates under the Environment Department, headed by BJP leader Pankaja Munde.
Protem Speaker Dilip Lande suspended two MPCB officials after Munde informed the Legislative Assembly of their absence from a scheduled briefing. Lande termed their non-attendance as “gross negligence” and “disrespectful” to the people of Maharashtra. The suspended officials are Member Secretary M. Devendra Singh and Joint Director Satish Padval.
Following the suspension order, the file recommending the action was swiftly presented to the Chief Minister for approval. Lande defended the decision, emphasizing that action was taken due to the officers’ failure to respect the Minister’s orders and fulfill their duties.
During a Legislative Assembly session, Munde criticized the officers for not attending briefings on pollution in Chandrapur district. Subsequently, BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar lodged a breach of privilege motion against the MPCB for allegedly disregarding the Minister’s directives.
Siddhesh Kadam, the head of MPCB, comes from a political family background. He is the son of former Minister Ramdas Kadam and the brother of Minister of State Yogesh Kadam. Attempts to reach him for comments were unsuccessful.
