Beed: Kaij Tehsildar Relieved Of Charge Over Drought Meeting Absence

In a significant administrative move, Beed District Collector Vivek Johnson has recently stripped Kaij Tehsildar Bharat Gangawane of his duties due to repeated absences from crucial drought relief meetings. The additional charge has been given to Naib Tehsildar (Revenue-2) Ashok Bhandare, who will continue his duties alongside his existing responsibilities until further notice.

This decision came after guidelines were issued to revenue officials, stipulating that they must not leave their headquarters without prior authorization, given the severe drought conditions plaguing the region. Gangawane's absence during the drought relief review meeting chaired by Kaij MLA Namita Mundada led to his dismissal, causing Mundada to publicly express her dissatisfaction with the district administration.

The Pune district has also come under scrutiny following the death of a Nigdi girl, which exposed gaps in garbage vehicle checks, leading to the fine of 34 vehicles. Gangawane's absence from Collector Johnson's official tour on Saturday, when the district head visited drought-affected villages, including Tambwa, Sarni and Sangvi, before inspecting the Kaij Tehsil office, has further amplified the disciplinary action taken against him.

Gangawane has vehemently denied the charges of unauthorized absence, asserting that he had obtained prior permission from multiple officials to attend a personal family event. He also alleged that his refusal to succumb to local political pressure led to his dismissal, stating that he had faced four transfers in a single year and had recently seized an illegal JCB and tractor in the Yusuf Wadgaon area.

Gangawane refused to release the vehicles, instead forwarding a proposal to the SDO office for levying fines. He firmly refutes the unilateral nature of the decision and maintains his innocence.