Mansa suffers as all 3 SDMs do not have executive powers

PCS officers have to clear a dept exam before attaining executive powers

MANSA, SARDULGARH SDM HAS EXHAUSTED ALL HIS CHANGES, BUDHLADA SDM HAS FAILED TO CLEAR EXAM IN 3 ATTEMPTS

MANSA: Residents in all three subdivisions of Mansa — Mansa, Budhlada and Sardulgarh — are a harassed lot with the sub-divisional magistrates (SDMs) not hearing court cases (both civil and criminal) as these officers do not have executive powers. The SDMs Latif Ahmad for Mansa with additional charges for Sardulgarh and Om Prakash of Budhlada sub division are PCS officers. Under the rules, a PCS officer has to clear a departmental examination in five chances, including a mercy chance, before he/she can be granted executive powers.

“I will seek a mercy chance from the state government to clear my paper,” said Ahmad, Mans a SD M, who has exhausted all his chances. Om Prakash of Budhalada has failed to clear the exam in three attempts, so far.

COMPLETE POWERS OF ANSDM

“An SDM hears land revenue disputes holding the power of a collector and hears criminal cases as a magistrate. Criminal cases and orders under Sections 133 (order for removal of nuisance), 145 (procedure where dispute concerning land or water is likely to cause breach of peace) and 97 (application for issuance of search warrant) is issued by the SDM,” said an officer on the condition of anonymity.

Officials posted at the SDM office in Mansa said on an average, on an average around 40 cases are listed in their court and in maximum cases executive magistrate (tehsildar) deals with them. "In most of the court cases, we are extending the date of hearings," said another official at SDM office.

When contacted, DC Dharam Pal Gupta said he was aware of the situation and had notified the state government. "I am aware of the issue. The government and my bosses have been informed. I will meet officials again after August 15. A resolution will be found,” said Gupta.

When contacted, Arun Sekhri, special secretary, personnel and vigilance, expressed ignorance over SDMs without executive powers being appointed in Mansa.

“As far as I know, Mansa DC has not made any representation that court cases are held up because officers have not cleared exams,” said Sekhri.