The Hindu : Pass final orders in case against retired employee: SHRC

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Pass final orders in case against retired employee: SHRC

By K.T. Sangameswaran

CHENNAI March 25. In a step that is expected to bring relief to those suspended from service on the eve of or on the date of retirement, the State Human Rights Commission has asked the Government to issue final orders early in a case of disciplinary proceedings against a superannuated employee.

The commission member, Abdul Ghani, passed the order, disposing of a complaint filed by the Tamil Nadu Retired Government Employees Association.

The association submitted that T. Raman, a former depot manager, Grade II in the Agriculture department, Tirunelveli district, was placed under suspension a day prior to his superannuation in February 1998 on the ground that disciplinary proceedings were pending against him.

Consequently the official was denied his terminal benefits. He was getting only a subsistence allowance from the date he was placed under suspension.

He could not make both ends meet. The Government did not pass the final orders in the case.

When he was working in the Agricultural Extension Centre, Nanguneri, in 1983, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption conducted a probe into irregularities allegedly committed by Mr. Raman. Eight years later, charges were framed by the Tribunal for Disciplinary Proceedings, Madurai region. He attended all hearings and also promptly submitted an explanation to the enquiry report given to him.

The association said denial of pensionary benefits amounted to violation of human rights.

It took up the former employee's cause and addressed the Government. But the efforts proved futile.

Following this, the association moved the SHRC.

The Commission has ordered the Agriculture Secretary to pass final orders.

An association office-bearer said suspension came in handy for superior officers in dealing with employees who were on the verge of retirement and against whom disciplinary proceedings were pending. In most cases, the proceedings dragged on for years and a decision was not taken even till retirement. Worse still, instances are not wanting of officials being informed of their suspension a day after their superannuation.

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Southern States