The Directorate of Vigilance of Government of Delhi has issued an order for termination of Bibhav Kumar, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Private Secretary, whom the Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned three days ago in liquor policy case.
Kumar is a close aide of Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who was hired as private secretary on a co-terminus basis in 2015 and again in 2020 when Aam Aadmi Party formed the government again.
A former video journalist, Kumar first came in touch with Kejriwal in the early 2000s when he was editing videos for a magazine launched by the India Against Corruption, which evolved into AAP.
Since then, Kumar has remained Kejriwal's most trusted man, ensuring that Kejriwal follows his diabetic diet and takes his medicines on time.
The Directorate of Vigilance Department, citing a 2007 case against Kumar, in which he was accused of obstructing government work, said, "Consequent upon the resignation of the Council of Ministers notified vide dated 14.02.2020 the term of the government has ended, and being a coterminous officer, the appointment of Bibhav Kumar will also have to be terminated."
"However, in terms of DOPT OM dated 26.05.2014, the personal staff of the outgoing Minister can continue to hold their post for a period not exceeding 15 days."
"Since Honourable CM has now desired that Bibhav Kumar should continue working with him as Private Secretary, to consider his fresh appointment, the earlier term of coterminous appointment shall have to be terminated first. Hence, the services of Bibhav Kumar may be terminated wef 16.02.2020 (A/N) and thereafter, his appointment as Private Secretary to CM wef 17.02.2020 (F/N) may be considered."
The Vigilance Department has pointed out that since the individuals appointed on a coterminous basis are governed by the CCS (Conduct) Rules, it is important to consider Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar's character and antecedents verification that was carried out at the time of his previous appointment as Private Secretary to the Chief Minister.
This is because, during his subsequent period of working in the government with the Chief Minister, there were no negative reports against him.
"As of now, the appointment shall have to be made subject to the outcome of the case at Noida, Sector-20 police station, registered under sections 353,504,506 IPC, which was reported in his character and antecedents verification report from Delhi Police," the order further read.
(With inputs from IANS)
