RAS Officers Urge CM Bhajanlal Sharma to Remove Jaisalmer Collector for Misconduct
Senior Bureaucracy in Rajasthan Warns of Strike If Demands Are Ignored
In a significant escalation of administrative tensions in Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Administrative Service (RAS) Council has demanded the immediate removal of Jaisalmer District Collector Pratap Singh over allegations of repeated misbehaviour and misuse of authority. The council’s strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, dated May 15, warns of a potential statewide strike if corrective measures are not taken promptly.
The letter details multiple instances of alleged misconduct by the collector, accusing him of using “derogatory language” and “pressuring officers to act against administrative norms.” The council argues that such actions not only undermine the dignity of civil servants but also threaten the integrity of the state’s bureaucratic framework.
Allegations of Misuse of Power and Intimidation
The RAS Council’s letter highlights several incidents involving Pratap Singh. One of the key complaints relates to Prabhjot Singh Gill, a senior RAS officer recently transferred from Pokharan to Mundawa as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO). According to the council, Gill was pressured by the collector to avoid taking action against a private finance company and a solar tower firm — raising serious concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
Furthermore, the council alleges that during an official meeting, Pratap Singh publicly questioned Gill’s competence, which was perceived as an attempt to humiliate a subordinate in front of peers.
In another incident cited by the council, dated April 3, the collector reportedly made similar disparaging remarks to Mukesh Kumar Meena, who is currently posted in the Colonisation Department. Despite a formal complaint filed in April, no action has yet been taken, fueling growing dissatisfaction among officers.
RAS Council’s Ultimatum: Act or Face Administrative Paralysis
The RAS Council has made it clear that their demand is not just symbolic. In the letter, they have explicitly stated:
“If no steps are taken, the RAS officers will be forced to boycott work to protect their dignity.”
The council emphasized that while officers are committed to maintaining government functionality, they will not compromise on their professional self-respect. The threat of a statewide strike by the administrative machinery underscores the seriousness of the issue and the potential ramifications for public governance if the matter is not resolved swiftly.
Political and Bureaucratic Fallout
The issue has now moved beyond a localized conflict in Jaisalmer to become a statewide administrative flashpoint. Observers note that this development puts Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma’s leadership under scrutiny, particularly regarding his approach to handling internal governance issues.
So far, there has been no official response from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) or from Pratap Singh himself. Political analysts suggest that the state government must walk a tightrope — balancing support for bureaucrats while avoiding the perception of political interference in administrative matters.
Broader Implications for Administrative Ethics in Rajasthan
This latest controversy adds to the growing debate about administrative accountability and workplace ethics within the Indian civil services. The RAS Council’s call for action highlights an urgent need for a formal mechanism to address grievances related to workplace conduct, especially when senior officers are involved.
Several civil servants, speaking on condition of anonymity, have voiced support for the council’s stand, pointing out that unchecked authority without oversight can lead to an erosion of morale across the service ranks.