A controversy erupted concerning IAS officer Dr. Nagarjuna B. Gowda, currently serving as CEO of Khandwa District Panchayat, following allegations of drastically reducing a mining fine. While Dr. Gowda was ADM in Harda, an illegal mining penalty of Rs 51 crore was reportedly reduced to Rs 4,032. This has drawn criticism and sparked online debate.
Harda’s District Magistrate, Siddharth Jain, has come to the defense of the IAS officer, stating that all legal procedures were adhered to. Jain explained that initial notices are meant to gather explanations and that Dr. Gowda’s order was a “proper speaking order” based on due process. “This is a judicial process,” Jain asserted, adding that dissatisfaction can be addressed through appeals, none of which have been filed. He ruled out any corruption.
Dr. Gowda, a 2019-batch officer and a medical doctor by training, is known for his motivational insights for civil service aspirants and his prominent social media presence. He is married to fellow 2019-batch IAS officer Srushti Jayant Deshmukh. The couple is well-regarded in UPSC circles.
The core of the controversy lies in the alleged unauthorized extraction of gravel by Path India Company for the Indore–Betul National Highway project. An initial notice suggested a fine of Rs 51.67 crore. However, Dr. Gowda’s review, following his assumption of the ADM role, led to a reassessment of the excavated volume, concluding it to be 2,688 cubic meters, hence the reduced fine. The initial Rs 51 crore was merely a notice requiring a subsequent hearing.
RTI activist Anand Jat brought the issue to public attention, alleging that the reduction was improper and possibly influenced, with local evidence being overlooked. He has called for a review to ensure transparency and accountability. It is worth noting that Mr. Jat is reportedly facing multiple criminal charges.
Dr. Gowda has strongly denied any impropriety. He stated that the initial proceedings lacked legal rigor and concrete evidence. He emphasized that his decision was based on a thorough review of the available information and adherence to established guidelines. The fact that no appeals have been filed against his order in the past two years further supports the legitimacy of his decision, according to Dr. Gowda.
