India

Gujarat Municipal Clerk Suspended After 12 Streetlights Fail on PM Modi’s Route

By Anjali Thakur

A Dabhoi Municipality clerk was suspended for six days after 12 streetlights on a road used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 were found non‑functional, with several others flickering. Mahesh Vasava, the in‑charge clerk of the lighting department, was suspended for alleged negligence in maintaining the streetlights, despite instructions from the civic body, according to a suspension order. The order, issued by Dabhoi Municipality Chief Officer Viraj Shah on October 31, directed Vasava to appear before the competent authority after the suspension period and explain the alleged negligence. The action was taken under Section 48 of the Gujarat Municipalities Act, 1963, which allows penalties for good and sufficient reasons against any officer or servant of a municipality. The municipality had assigned responsibilities to various departments for the movement of VIPs through the area, including cleanliness, control of stray cattle, and maintenance of streetlights. As the clerk in charge of the lighting department, ensuring that the streetlights were functioning properly was among Vasava’s primary responsibilities. The order stated that he failed to ensure that the required repairs were completed on time, despite instructions from the municipality. The affected stretch was identified as the road from Sinor Crossroads, through the Bhogol area, up to Sarita Bridge. The order noted that 12 streetlights along the route were not working, while some others were flickering. Prime Minister Modi, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and other dignitaries were scheduled to travel by helicopter to Vadodara airport after attending the National Unity Day celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar on October 31. However, as dusk had fallen, Modi and the other dignitaries travelled approximately 90 km by road to Vadodara airport instead of taking a helicopter. The highway connecting Vadodara with the Statue of Unity passes outside Dabhoi, while several key roads in the town lead to it. The suspension order directed Vasava to appear before the competent authority on November 6 at 11 am for a personal hearing and submit an explanation for failing to discharge his assigned duties. It also referred to previous repeated complaints against the official. Sources told The Indian Express that the action is being viewed as a consequence of other ongoing inquiries into certain works undertaken by Vasava. The additional charge and responsibilities assigned to him have also been withdrawn.