Controversy erupts as Banna Gupta personally appoints health department Secretary

Ranchi: In a surprising turn of events, Jharkhand’s State Health Minister, Banna Gupta, has sparked controversy by personally reinstating the Secretary of his department, as revealed in a viral letter pad circulating on social media.
The letter from Minister Banna Gupta declares that IAS Alok Trivedi, currently serving as the Campaign Director, will assume additional responsibilities as the Health Department Secretary until further orders.

Former minister and MLA Saryu Roy expressed concern over the move, stating in a social media post addressed to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, “Your respected Congress Minister Banna Gupta has issued a memorandum notification, which is incorrect. Cancel it immediately. This authority belongs solely to the Chief Minister. The Executive Rules grant this ad-hoc power to the Chief Secretary for a limited period of 30 days.”

Sources indicate that IAS Alok Trivedi may decline to take charge as Health Secretary without an official personnel notification. Doubts are raised about the validity of the minister’s letter pad, with suggestions that it cannot be considered a legitimate government order.
The position of Health Secretary became vacant following the retirement of Arun Kumar on December 31, 2023. Health Minister Banna Gupta personally handed over the charge to IAS Alok Trivedi, a move that has been criticized. Minister Gupta, however, denies the legitimacy of the appointment, stating that such actions are incorrect.