Thiruvananthapuram: Ending a prolonged controversy in the state bureaucracy, the V.D. Satheesan-led Kerala government has officially withdrawn the suspension orders against senior IAS officers Dr B. Ashok and N. Prasanth, who were removed from service during the previous Pinarayi Vijayan regime.
Both officers will return to service, with the government expected to decide on their new postings shortly.
The decision marks a significant reversal of the disciplinary action initiated against the two officers, who had often been critical of government policies and the functioning of senior officials.
The government’s move comes amid a shortage of senior IAS officers in the state and an administrative assessment that several disciplinary proceedings initiated during the previous regime were excessive.
Dr B. Ashok, who was serving as Principal Secretary of the Sainik Welfare Department, was suspended shortly before the Assembly election results were declared.
He was accused of violating service rules by making critical remarks against then Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the government’s policies and its style of functioning in media interviews.
The suspension order stated that Ashok had responded to the media and on social media without prior permission from the government, thereby violating the All India Services Conduct Rules and affecting the government’s image.
Ashok had strongly opposed the action, arguing that the caretaker government lacked the authority to take such a decision and describing the move as legally unsustainable.
Earlier, Ashok had also faced several transfers after reports emerged regarding alleged irregularities connected with the KERA project.
He was moved from important positions, including the Agriculture Department, and was later appointed to posts such as Managing Director of KTDFFC, Local Self-Government Commissioner and Principal Secretary, Personnel and Administrative Reforms.
Some of these transfers were challenged by Ashok before the tribunal.
N. Prasanth, who had been out of service for nearly two years, faced repeated disciplinary action, with the government initiating proceedings against him nine times.
His first suspension came on November 11, 2024, after he posted criticisms and allegations against former Chief Secretary Dr A. Jayathilak on social media.
Prasanth, known for his active presence on social media, frequently responded to disciplinary actions through posts and satire.
The final round of action against him was related to allegations that he wrote an article on the state’s lottery system in an English newspaper without prior government approval.
The reinstatement of both officers signals a major change in the new administration’s approach towards civil servants.
With their return, significant reshuffling in the Secretariat and key departments is expected in the coming days.
(IANS)
