B Ashok and Prasanth IAS to get important positions; Major IAS shake-up likely in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Following the Chief Secretary's order withdrawing the suspension the other day, the Civil Service Board, about to convene on Monday, will decide which department Principal Secretary Dr B. Ashok and Special Secretary N Prasanth will be appointed to. There are indications that they may be given important positions. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan's suggestion will also be taken into consideration. Along with this, there will be a shake-up at the IAS level.

The Chief Minister had signed the file to reinstate both of them in service on Saturday. Later, Chief Secretary Dr A. Jayathilak issued an order withdrawing the suspension. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary's order also states that disciplinary action against both of them will continue as per the service rules.

B. Ashok was suspended just before the election results were announced for criticising the Left government. N. Prasanth, suspended for a year and a half for criticising Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak on social media, was also given nine charge memos as part of disciplinary action.

It is alleged that the Chief Secretary issued the order withdrawing the suspension of B. Ashok and Prasanth not in the manner instructed by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. According to the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rule 24 of 1969, the Chief Minister has the power to terminate any disciplinary action and further proceedings. It is learnt that the Chief Minister has instructed to issue the order accordingly. However, the Chief Secretary's order states that disciplinary proceedings against the two will continue even after the suspension is withdrawn.