DC IMPACT: Tainted MPI chief denied extension
Mr John was due to retire November 30, and he was trying for an extension
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The deputation period of Mr M. P. John, managing director of Meat Products of India, ended on Monday though Agriculture Minister K. P. Mohanan had issued an order giving him extension on September 25.
The minister modified his order on Monday as Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was not keen on reappointing Mr John who was facing disciplinary action in his parent department, Kerala Feeds Limited.
The General Administration Department in a circular issued last year had stated that managing directors should not be provided extension to their deputation and only direct appointment should be held.
Mr John was due to retire November 30, and he was trying for an extension. DC had reported on September 27 that Mr Mohanan had violated the Kerala Service Rules by issuing an order extending the deputation period of the official though he was facing disciplinary action.
In the modified order dated November 25, Mr K. Radhakrishnan, deputy secretary, states that the date of superannuation of Mr M. P. John is on the afternoon of November 30 and that the term of appointment on deputation will also expire at the same period.
MPI chairman E. J. Augusthy told DC that the cabinet’s permission was required if a government official had to be given extension or re-appointment.
The agriculture minister’s office confirmed to DC that Mr. John has been relieved from service and that MPI general manager James Mathew has been given additional charge as managing director of MPI until further orders.
Mr. John faced two disciplinary proceedings from his parent department. Ignoring this, Mr. Mohanan had hurriedly signed the file extending his deputation.
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