Suspension Period of Former In-Charge DAO-cum-Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (East) Himanshu Kumar Extended
Muzaffarpur: In a significant administrative action, the Agriculture Department has extended the suspension period of Himanshu Kumar, the former In-Charge District Agriculture Officer (DAO)-cum-Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (East), Muzaffarpur. The decision was taken after he was released on bail by the court. An official order has been issued by the department confirming the extension of his suspension.
According to departmental sources, the suspension has been extended in view of the pending departmental inquiry and the case against him. Officials stated that reinstating the officer before the completion of the investigation would not be appropriate.
Department Issues Fresh Suspension Order
Himanshu Kumar had already been under suspension before securing bail. In many cases, government officials apply for reinstatement after being granted bail. However, in this instance, the Agriculture Department has decided to continue and extend his suspension instead.
The department's order states that during the suspension period, he must comply with all service rules and cannot leave the designated headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority. He has also been directed to fully cooperate with the ongoing departmental investigation.
Departmental Inquiry Still Underway
Sources said that the departmental inquiry against Himanshu Kumar is still in progress. The inquiry committee is examining official records, documents, and statements of the concerned parties before submitting its final report.
Department officials said that no final decision regarding his reinstatement or further disciplinary action will be taken until the inquiry is completed.
Bail Does Not Mean Acquittal
Legal experts point out that being granted bail does not amount to being declared innocent. Bail is merely temporary relief during the judicial process. If a government employee is facing a departmental inquiry or criminal proceedings, the department is legally empowered to continue the suspension under applicable service rules.
The Agriculture Department has reportedly exercised the same provision in extending Himanshu Kumar's suspension.
Action Taken Under Service Rules
Under the Bihar Government's service regulations, the competent authority may continue the suspension of a government employee if a criminal case or serious departmental inquiry is pending against them.
During the suspension period, the officer remains entitled only to the subsistence allowance as prescribed under the service rules.
Officials stated that the latest action has been taken strictly in accordance with these provisions.
Agricultural Administration Continues Unaffected
Following Himanshu Kumar's suspension, the department had already made alternative administrative arrangements by assigning his responsibilities to another officer. Officials have maintained that the implementation of government schemes and services for farmers has not been affected.
Key agricultural programs, including seed distribution, fertilizer supply, farm mechanization initiatives, the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, crop insurance, and other farmer welfare schemes, are continuing without disruption.
Focus on the Inquiry Report
The outcome of the departmental inquiry is now being closely watched. If the allegations against Himanshu Kumar are substantiated, the department may initiate further disciplinary proceedings. Conversely, if the inquiry finds no wrongdoing, his reinstatement could be considered.
Departmental sources emphasized that the inquiry is being conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner while following all prescribed legal procedures.
Matter Sparks Discussion Within the Department
The case has become a major topic of discussion among officials and employees in the Agriculture Department. While some believe that the department is acting strictly in accordance with service rules, others feel that the final outcome will depend entirely on the findings of the inquiry committee.
What Lies Ahead?
The future of Himanshu Kumar's service career will depend on the outcome of both the departmental inquiry and the ongoing legal proceedings. If the allegations are proven, the department may impose strict disciplinary action under the applicable service rules. If he is cleared of the charges, his suspension may be reviewed for possible revocation.
For now, the Agriculture Department has made it clear that his suspension will remain in force until the inquiry is completed, and he will be required to comply with all conditions applicable during the extended suspension period. The department's decision has once again drawn attention within Muzaffarpur's administrative and agricultural circles.
