Lucknow
CM Yogi Adityanath has taken a tough stand on a recent order of Panchayati Raj Department, in which the process of removing illegal possession from the land of the gram panchayat was directed by linking it to a particular caste and religion. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed this order to be inspired by prejudice and unacceptable and canceled it with immediate effect. Also, Joint Director (Panchayati Raj) Surendra Nath Singh, responsible for this order, has been suspended.
This letter issued by the Panchayati Raj Department was sent to all the District Magistrates, Divisional Deputy Directors and District Panchayat Raj Officers. In this, instructions were given to free public land of more than 57,000 gram panchayats of the state, such as the land of Gram Sabha, Pokhare, Barn, Manure Pits, Cremation Land etc. from illegal occupation. However, the language of the letter mentions the alleged occupation done by the people of Yadav caste and Muslim religion, especially in which objections were lodged at many levels.
Taking cognizance of the case, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, not only against the spirit of the constitution, said that government policies cannot be inspired by prejudice towards any community or class. The Chief Minister clarified that the rule of law applies equally to all and any kind of action should be fully according to facts, evidence and rules and not on the basis of caste or religious identity.
In a statement issued by the government, it has been said that the Chief Minister has also directed that this type of language, which can affect social harmony, should not be used in any government correspondence. The Chief Minister has also warned the officials that constitutional values, fairness and administrative dignity should be fully followed while taking any decision on behalf of the government.
