Varanasi's Gyanvapi survey officer Alok Tripathi has been given a service extension for the third time. Several ASI officials are alleging violation of rules. A complaint has been lodged with the PMO. ACC approval is pending.
New Delhi: A controversy has now deepened over the service extension of senior ASI official Alok Tripathi, who was involved in the survey of Varanasi's disputed Gyanvapi structure. Many officials of the ASI state that rules have been violated in this extension. They allege that a service extension for an officer of the Additional Director General level can only be granted with the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by the Prime Minister, but the department has issued the order at its own level and extended Tripathi's service.
Background of Alok Tripathi
Alok Tripathi is a marine archaeology expert and is recognized as a senior official in the ASI. He previously worked in the ASI, then moved to another institution and returned on deputation five years ago. His appointment was initially for three years, with a possibility of a further two-year extension.
When Tripathi's term first ended, the Ministry of Culture granted him a three-month extension. Following this, another extension was given from July 13 to August 31, and now recently, he has been given a service extension for the third time for three months. During this period, his department has been changed to Research & Training-Capacity Building.
Alleged Violation of Rules
According to sources, officers typically up to the age of 56 years are appointed to this post, whereas Tripathi has already turned 60. Service extensions cannot be directly given to officers of this level. As per the normal procedure, the ASI sends a letter to the UPSC inviting applications for the vacant post, after which a suitable candidate is appointed. However, this process has not been completed in Tripathi's case.
ASI Director Rajendra Kumar Khinchi stated that he issued the order upon receiving the file, but former officials argue that this order is not valid. No officer can be given a direct service extension after retirement without ACC approval.
Complaint in PMO
Due to this controversy, some former ASI officials have lodged a complaint with the Prime Minister's Office. They allege that rules have been violated and service extensions have been granted to senior positions without ACC approval. The ACC is a high-level committee in the Government of India that decides on appointments of senior officials in the central government and public sector undertakings.
ASI's Response
ASI spokesperson Nandini Bhattacharya stated that Alok Tripathi has been given a service extension from April 2 to August. She said that ACC approval for all three extensions is pending. Tripathi's post is of a selective category, and the ministry has granted the service extension for Research & Training Capacity Building.
