Reports on Shah shift denied

NEW DELHI: A fortnight after the reported move to shift IT secretary Rajeev Ratna Shah from office, the Cabinet Secretariat has denied knowledge of any such action. Sources in the secretariat told Cyber News Service that no such move was being contemplated. Last week, senior IT ministry officials had been vehement in their denial of any such move.

“We have no knowledge of any such move” was the only comment made by Cabinet Secretariat sources. The media spokesperson for the IT ministry was stronger in his dissent–“I strongly refute reports that Shah faces any proceedings for whatever reason.”

CNS had earlier reported that suspension proceedings against Shah were under way, but indications were that the action may not be linked to his performance as IT secretary or on real and serious disciplinary grounds–the action seemed more of an attempt to rebuff a senior and free-thinking bureaucrat.

Contacted again by CNS over the weekend, Shah remained open and forthright. “This is not just totally wrong but is an insult to me after all my years in various key positions. It has also caused me deep anguish and mental pain,” the IT secretary said. Refusing further comment, he just added–“The truth will soon be out.”