What’s in a name? In the clunky government machinery, it is the difference between keeping your post or losing it to a namesake.
Confused? Well, so is the office of the State Disabilities Commission.
Picture this: a file was signed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allowing the continuation of K.S. Rajanna as the State Disabilities Commissioner. Somewhere along the way, the appointment letter dated January 16 was sent instead to Kamalakshi Rajanna, who is the chairperson of Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Limited (KSMD&MCL), said a source in the CM’s Office. The error was realised on Monday, and a letter cancelling the appointment of Ms. Rajanna was sent. However, none of the parties involved received this order.
In September 2013, K.S. Rajanna (55), a physically-challenged person and a paralympian, was appointed as the first-ever commissioner of the quasi-judicial post to overlook the welfare of more than 10 lakh disabled persons in the State.
When Ms. Rajanna was “appointed” on Friday, Mr. Rajanna’s appointment had not been cancelled as per procedure, causing confusion in the office of the commission. Officials told The Hindu that his “sudden and unexpected” removal was a result of the action he sought against government departments who had not developed facilities for the differently-abled.
Ms. Rajanna, who confirmed receiving the orders, said she was waiting for a consultation with the “Chief Minister and senior Congress leaders” before taking up the job.
“The appointment was unexpected. But the party has recognised me as a social worker who has worked for youth development and women empowerment,” she said.
Similarly, Mr. Rajanna said he had received no formal communication throughout the entire incident. M.V. Jayanthi, Secretary of the Department of Women and Child Development, which oversees the commission, said the appointment of Ms. Rajanna would stand based on the January 16 order.
“It is understood that the appointment of a new person implies removal of the old commissioner,” she said.
