Lucknow– Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Department has taken strict action against several officials across Shahjahanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Aligarh for violations of rules, misconduct, and negligence. The disciplinary measures are aimed at reinforcing transparency, accountability, and good governance in urban local bodies.
Shahjahanpur: Virtual Attendance Deemed Invalid
In Shahjahanpur’s Kant Nagar Panchayat, Chairperson Munra Begum is under scrutiny for repeated absence from board meetings. Citing health issues, she failed to attend 14 board meetings held between February 2024 and April 2025. Instead, she participated via audio calls and allowed Rais Miyan to represent her virtually—an act deemed invalid under the Uttar Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1916.
The Chief Development Officer’s report, presented by the Shahjahanpur District Magistrate, labeled this as a breach of democratic procedures. A show-cause notice has been issued, and departmental action has been recommended.
Muzaffarnagar: Misconduct Towards Female Officials
In Muzaffarnagar, Dinesh Kumar, the Tax Assessment Officer of the Nagar Palika Parishad, has been accused of insubordination, disruptive behavior, and misconduct towards female subordinates. The officer allegedly defied superior orders and caused disruption in public services.
Citing violations under the Police Act of 1966 and the Uttar Pradesh Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1999, the department has appointed the Additional Commissioner (Administration), Saharanpur Division, as the inquiry officer to conduct a full-fledged disciplinary investigation.
Aligarh: Negligence by Deputy Municipal Commissioner
In Aligarh, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar Singh has been found absent from duty without authorization and has reportedly shown negligence in key responsibilities, including property tax collection, issuance of birth and death certificates, anti-encroachment operations, sanitation enforcement, and IGRS (Integrated Grievance Redressal System) compliance.
Given the gravity of the allegations, the Additional Commissioner (Administration), Aligarh Division, has been appointed to conduct an inquiry under the state service regulations.
Further Action in Varanasi Case: Former Executive Officer Removed
In a separate development, the department has taken firm action against Vijayendra Kumar Anand, the former Executive Officer of Nagar Palika Parishad, Vijaynagar, and former Deputy Commissioner, Varanasi Municipal Corporation. He has been accused of authorizing irregular payments amounting to nearly Rs 30 lakh during 2018–19.
The payments were reportedly made in violation of Government Order No. 4350/2018, which mandates prior government approval for expenditures exceeding Rs 50,000. Based on preliminary findings, a disciplinary inquiry has been ordered. The Additional Commissioner (Administration), Moradabad Division, has been appointed as the inquiry officer, and Anand has been relieved of his current duties pending the investigation.
Chief Minister’s Zero-Tolerance Policy
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline, abuse of power, and violations of democratic norms. Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Amrit Abhijat, stated that such actions are part of the state’s broader efforts to instill financial discipline, strengthen transparency, and uphold governance standards in municipal bodies.
These latest crackdowns underscore the state government’s resolve to ensure that public institutions operate with integrity and accountability at every level.
