Patna, (BiharTimes): The so-called dress code for officers in Bihar had its first victim: Laxman Mishra, Deputy Director (Monitoring) in the department of agriculture.

He has been referred for suspension by special secretary, agriculture, C K Anil, for reporting on duty wearing a tilak on his forehead. He has allegedly been violating the dress code re-introduced for administrative officers recently by the state government. Anil reportedly warned Mishra before referring suspension order.

The Bihar Agriculture Services Assoication, the cadre to which Mishra belongs, has gone on warpath and has threatened to launch agitation against Anil if the suspension order is not withdrawn. It says that nowhere in the code wearing a tika or tilak is prohibited. The official refused to comment as the issue is related to one's religion and faith.

Mishra on the other hand said that he had been sporting a tilak for the last 30 years of service. “If somebody goes on harassing me on this pretext I have no choice but to commit suicide.” Anil has always been a controversial IAS officer and has recently been sent back from Maharashtra to the Bihar cadre.

Comment

comments...

This is one of the most absurd and bizarre act on the part of special secretary (agriculture). He may be seeking revenge for some petty personal animosity with Laxman Mishra. This is a lowly act on the part of C K Anil that violates the very fundamental rights of every human being. Even the Indian constitution bares the subjects related to religion and personal beliefs. I hope that the court will duly reprimand C K Anil.

Pradeep

Houston, USA

pradeep@vertecpolymers.com