11 bureaucrats owe Maharashtra government over Rs 44 lakh for overstaying

Mumbai, Maharashtra: More than 10 senior bureaucrats in Maharashtra, including some who have retired, owe the state government over Rs 44 lakhs for overstaying in official accommodation after service or post transfers, an RTI query has found.

In response to the query, the state Public Works Department provided a list of 11 officers who collectively owe the state government over Rs 44 lakhs.

"There are a total of 11 government officials who are yet to pay their rent for overstaying in their official residence," said city-based activist Anil Galgali, who had filed an application to the Maharashtra government seeking details on the outstanding dues of government officers.

Prominent among those who have defaulted on payment to the state government are - Additional Director General K L Bishnoi who owes Rs 6,43,451, Deputy Secretary in General Administration Department Venkatesh Bhat (Rs 4,88,071), retired IPS officer Y P Singh (Rs 8,01,448), ex-Transport Commissioner (retired) Dilip Jadhav (Rs 6,40,585), retired Additional DG PK Jain, now a member of RPI(A), (Rs 5,59,624) and retired CIDCO managing director V M Lal (Rs 3,08,972), Galgali said as per the RTI details provided to him.

Besides, retired Mumbai DCP Prakash Pawar owes Rs 2,07,982, retired ACP Crime Branch Prakash Wani - Rs 1,97,756 and currently serving Deputy Secretary Law and Judiciary B J Tarale owes Rs 1,22,865 to the state government, he said.

After continuous follow-ups by the PWD, retired IPS officer P S Pasricha paid Rs 5,28,672 for overstaying in his official accommodation after being transferred, he said. Senior IAS officer G S Gill (retired), who vacated his flat after almost one year of retirement, paid Rs 1,47,544 as rent for overstaying in his official flat, Galgali added.