One is former, the other is current. The question had arisen: is it at all possible for two 'BDOs' to receive salaries from the same block?
Recently, the current BDO of Nandigram-1 had written a letter to the District Magistrate of East Midnapore seeking clarification on the matter. From there, a letter was sent to Nabanna. Finally, on Saturday, both received their salaries.
According to block administration sources, BDO Soumen Banik of Nandigram-1 has been untraceable since Durga Puja. He has not resigned. He has not joined work elsewhere either.
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Initially, Soumen had sought seven days' leave from the district administration, citing physical illness. After that period ended, he again applied for 30 days' leave. Meanwhile, his personal phone is switched off. He has vacated the government accommodation and vehicle. He has even handed over the government SIM card to the Joint BDO.
On October 15, the district administration sent Pinaki Debnath as BDO of Nandigram-1. On October 17, Pinaki was transferred to Kalimpong. Naziruddin Sarkar took charge as BDO of Nandigram-1. After that, transfer orders for multiple government officials and officers were issued, but Soumen Banik's name was not mentioned anywhere.
Questions began to arise whether both Soumen Banik and Naziruddin Sarkar would receive salaries from Nandigram-1 block.
The block administration claims that the BDO also has to perform the duties of the block's DDO (Drawing and Disbursing Officer). Until October, Soumen's salary was paid from Nandigram-1 block.
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A letter was sent to Nabanna seeking clarification on what would happen after November ended. An official from the block administration claims, “There is no trace of Soumen. But he has not resigned from his job either. That is why this situation has arisen”.
According to district administration sources, usually when a BDO is transferred and moves elsewhere, he applies for his salary to be paid from the concerned treasury. But in this case, the district administration has no information about where Soumen Banik has gone or what his current situation is. A section of the administration also claims that due to Soumen's prolonged absence, the district administration had withdrawn his 'administrative powers'.
Current BDO of Nandigram-1 Naziruddin Sarkar says, “Salary bills for both were sent to the treasury office. Salaries have also been paid.”
According to Haldia Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Tirthankar Biswas, “In such situations, salaries can be paid for two months according to government guidelines. Accordingly, both have received salaries from the same block this month. After two months are over, action will be taken as per guidelines from the district administration”.
