Centre’s notice to former Bengal chief secretary Alapan Bandopadhyay

The Central government on Monday sent a notice to former chief secretary of West Bengal, Alapan Bandopadhyay, asking him why he should not be penalised for not attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting on Cyclone Yaas last month and for not reporting to the Ministry’s North Block as he was directed.

The letter on “major penalty proceedings” follows not being convinced about his response to the earlier “showcause” notice, said an officer. Bandopadhyay has been asked to respond – in writing or explaining his position in person – within 30 days. If he fails to respond, then action may be taken against him.

The matter concerns a major controversy last month over a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Cyclone Yaas that lashed on the state’s coast last month. There was a row as West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee briefed the PM on the situation along with Bandopadhyay and left to visit some affected areas in Digha.

Bandopadhyay, who was then West Bengal chief secretary, was to continue working on extension for three months in view of the COVID-19 situation in the state, and for the state to cope with the aftermath of Cyclone Yaas. However, following the row, Bandopadhyay he was asked to report – and was “recalled” – to the Centre on the day of his retirement, May 31. Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee did not release him from the government. Instead, she wrote to PM Modi, explaining that she was not releasing the officer. Bandopadhyay meanwhile, chose to retire instead of working on extension, and was appointed chief adviser to the Bengal CM for three years.

However, a show-cause notice was sent asking Bandopadhyay to explain his alleged “absence” from PM Modi’s meeting on Cyclone Yaas. The Centre has also accused Mamata Banerjee of making PM Modi wait. Mamata Banerjee later hit out at the Centre, calling it “vendetta”, and asked the Centre to not target IAS and IPS officers.