Kerala to proceed against Jacob Thomas
Mr Thomas, who was serving as director-general, Institute of Management in Government, was suspended in December last.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has decided to proceed against Mr Jacob Thomas on charges of openly criticising the government in connection with the Ockhi disaster. Mr Thomas, who was serving as director-general, Institute of Management in Government, was suspended in December last. According to sources, Chief Secretary Paul Antony recommended disciplinary action against Mr Thomas as the explanation given by him to a show-cause notice was unsatisfactory.
Sources said a senior IAS officer would be appointed to conduct a formal inquiry against Mr Thomas and recommend action, which could range from barring increment to removal from service. In case of major action like dismissal, the nod of the centre would be required. Mr Thomas is the seniormost IPS officer (1985 batch) in the state at present. No seniormost officer in the state has faced any disciplinary proceedings in the past, said sources.
He has over two years of service left. In reply to the show-cause notice, he maintained that his statement that the government had failed to give adequate warning to fishermen on the Ockhi cyclone was based on reports and not his own finding. He further justified his stand literally retorting to the notice. He had written to the centre alleging that he was being targeted in the state for being a whistle- blower. He also sought a posting abroad. Though he had sought protection under the Whistle-blower Protection Act, the state government strongly objected to it.