In a first, bureaucrats served notice for skipping I-Day function
What's the story
For the first time in Uttarakhand, bureaucrats have received show cause notices for not attending Independence Day events.
The 54 officers in question include 46 additional secretaries, five secretaries-in-charge, two secretaries and even a principal secretary.
The action came after only about 10 bureaucrats attended the flag-hoisting at Dehradun's Parade Ground. An incensed CM Trivendra Singh Rawat had announced "stringent action".
Possible action
"Flutter in bureaucratic circles" after unprecedented move
That's not all. DMs and department heads have been asked to submit names of employees who skipped I-Day functions.
Sources say the list may include thousands.
Meanwhile, the 54 bureaucrats have been asked to provide reasons for absence. Rawat has warned of action against "all those who were missing from the flag-hoisting without a valid reason".
The state cadre has 87 IAS officers.
Govt orders
The government actively directed how to celebrate I-Day this time
The government has been actively trying to ensure "befitting" I-Day celebrations. The HRD directed nine activities for educational institutes in the run-up to August 15.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath government passed orders mandating video recording of I-Day celebrations in madrasas.
The WB government, as well as many UP madrasas, defied government diktat. Many Muslims said the "patriotism test" was offensive.