R&B engineer who took up US job 20 years ago still on govt rolls

HYDERABAD: About two decades after he left for US without the mandatory govt approval and even took up employment there, an engineer with Telangana’s roads and buildings department continues to be on the state’s rolls.While dept sources claim that Ch Ravi has been “under suspension for several years and has not been drawing a salary”, they confirmed that he is still listed as a deputy executive engineer with the dept.Taking cognisance of this prolonged irregularity, the Telangana govt has now initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ravi for unauthorised absence and accepting overseas employment without prior government approval. It has appointed an inquiry authority and a presenting officer to examine the charges.“While we had started a probe into the matter earlier, the disciplinary proceedings initiated now are to determine the charges and decide further action. Moreover, this is also a procedure to terminate the officer from service,” said a top official from the R & B dept.According to official records, Ravi first left for the US in 2006 while serving as an assistant executive engineer. He returned in 2011 and briefly resumed duty, only to leave again in 2012. Since then, he has allegedly remained absent from service while working abroad, without obtaining the mandatory permission from the govt.Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the officer has not submitted a written statement to defend the charges.Under service rules, govt employees can avail long-term leave of up to five years and even accept employment or pursue higher studies abroad during this period, but only with prior approval.In Ravi’s case, officials said he didn’t follow procedure on both the occasions, amounting to misconduct under service rules.“K Ravi Shankar, superintending engineer, R&B Circle, Rangareddy, is the inquiry authority who will investigate the charges and submit a report to the govt,” the official added.Get the latest City News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Hyderabad | Silver Rate in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Petrol Price in Hyderabad | Diesel Price in Hyderabad | CNG Price in Hyderabad | LPG Price in HyderabadStay updated with the latest Hyderabad news. Download the TOI App.