The allegations stem from a video conferencing review meeting held on January 21, convened to assess the progress of development works across urban local bodies in the state. The meeting was chaired by the Director of Urban Administration, with commissioners and chief municipal officers from various municipalities participating.
According to the Urban Administration Officers and Employees Welfare Association (Chhattisgarh), the director allegedly used derogatory remarks and offensive language while addressing officers during the meeting. The union has described the conduct as unprofessional and an abuse of authority by a senior official.
On January 22, 2026, the association’s state president Rajesh Soni submitted a formal complaint to the Chief Secretary of Chhattisgarh, seeking immediate action. Copies of the complaint were also sent to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, the department’s principal secretary, and the convenor of the Chhattisgarh Employees-Officers Federation.
In the complaint, the union stated that the use of insulting language against officers and employees is unacceptable in a democratic administrative system and undermines the dignity of public servants. It further alleged that such behaviour creates a hostile work environment and negatively impacts administrative efficiency.
The association’s Durg district president, Raju Lal Chandrakar, said the union expects the director to issue a public apology to the officers who were allegedly insulted during the meeting. He warned that failure to do so should result in disciplinary proceedings under relevant service conduct rules.
“The administrative structure runs on mutual respect and accountability. Senior officers are expected to lead by example. Any form of verbal abuse cannot be justified, regardless of performance pressures,” Chandrakar said.
The union has maintained that its protest is not politically motivated but aimed at safeguarding the professional dignity of officers and employees working in urban local bodies across the state. It also urged the government to ensure that review meetings focus on constructive feedback rather than personal attacks.
Attempts were made to contact the Director of Urban Administration to obtain his version of events. However, he could not be reached for comment till the filing of this report.
The state government has not yet issued an official response to the complaint. Sources in the administration indicated that the matter may be examined at the senior level once a detailed report is sought from the concerned department.
The episode has once again brought attention to workplace conduct within government departments and the need for adherence to established norms of administrative decorum.
