Questions Raised Over Appellate Mechanism, Appointments and Consent Clearances; BJP Demands High-Level Probe
Shimla: BJP Chief Spokesperson and MLA Rakesh Jamwal has demanded a high-level, independent inquiry into the functioning of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, alleging serious irregularities in its administrative functioning, appointments and statutory clearances.
Addressing the media, Jamwal said the manner in which administrative decisions, appointments and consent approvals are being handled has raised significant concerns, and the state government must provide clear answers.
He alleged that the present administrative arrangement within the Pollution Control Board appears to undermine the independence of the appellate mechanism. According to him, the Member Secretary, whose decisions are subject to appeal, has been placed in a position that raises questions about the fairness, impartiality and transparency of the appeal process. Such an arrangement, he said, is contrary to the principles of natural justice and institutional accountability.
Jamwal further alleged that key statutory functions, including the issuance of consent approvals and official communications, are reportedly being handled by an Officer on Special Duty (OSD), raising doubts about whether prescribed procedures and statutory provisions are being followed. If a small group of individuals is exercising disproportionate control over crucial administrative decisions, the matter warrants an independent investigation, he added.
He urged the Congress-led state government to clarify whether all appointments, consent approvals and administrative decisions within the Board have been carried out strictly in accordance with legal provisions. "If the government has nothing to hide, it should have no hesitation in ordering an independent and impartial inquiry," he said.
The BJP leader further alleged that the Pollution Control Board has become a centre of serious administrative irregularities and that allegations of corruption must be thoroughly investigated. He demanded that all records relating to appointments, consent clearances, file movement and the functioning of the appellate mechanism be examined by an independent agency.
Reiterating the BJP's commitment to transparency, accountability and clean governance, Jamwal called for a time-bound probe into the matter and sought strict action against anyone found guilty of violating rules or indulging in corrupt practices.