Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, July 24 -
The Haryana Right to Service Commission has imposed a penalty of Rs. 10,000 on Shashi Kant, the then Additional Director of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department in Panchkula. The commission levied this fine due to the delay in issuing a subsidy to the applicant and failing to provide the notified service within the stipulated time frame.
A spokesperson, while providing details of the case, stated that the complainant, Vipin Sardana, had lodged a complaint on July 25, 2023, regarding the non-issuance of the 'Testing Equipment Assistance' subsidy with the MSME Department in Panchkula. Subsequently, the department raised flag for submission of additional documents like details of bank account etc. on the application. The applicant completed all necessary documentation by September 25, 2023.
Upon investigation, the commission found that despite all requisite documents being uploaded, no action was taken by the department until January 4, 2024. This clearly indicates a lapse in performing his duties, as there was no valid reason for the then Additional Director, Shashi Kant, to hold up the matter for so long, causing inconvenience to the applicant.
The commission has imposed a penalty of Rs. 10,000 on Shashi, which will be deducted from his salary for July 2024.