Guwahati: A major administrative decision was taken on the final day of the first session of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly. Assam Assembly Secretary Dulal Pegu was relieved from his post with immediate effect.
Assembly Speaker Ranjit Kumar Das directed that the decision be implemented immediately.
Dulal Pegu was originally scheduled to retire on January 31, 2024. However, his tenure was extended several times by the previous Speaker and the government. As a result, he continued to serve as Assembly Secretary for more than two years after retirement.
Speaking to the media after the decision, Dulal Pegu said he had not requested any extension or put pressure on anyone to continue in the post. He said the previous Speaker had discussed the matter with the Chief Minister and granted him a two-year extension. Later, he was again requested to continue until the first session of the new Assembly was completed.
Pegu also said he had already planned to leave the post by May 31. However, he expressed disappointment over being asked to vacate the office within one hour. He said he had several important files and documents in his office and should have been given some time for a proper handover process.
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Ranjit Kumar Das clarified the reason behind the decision. He said Assam Government rules allow an officer to continue in service for a maximum of two years after retirement. According to him, Dulal Pegu had already served beyond that limit.
The Speaker said Assembly officials had informed him about the matter and it was his responsibility to maintain rules and fairness in the Assembly. He also announced that Rajiv Bhattacharyya has been given charge as the new Assembly Secretary.
The development has triggered discussion in political and administrative circles, especially regarding the manner and timing of the removal.
