DDA asks official to rejoin if confident'
Bhati, who has not yet taken any decision on rejoining, however, termed the wordings of DDA's letter, rather condescending.
New Delhi: After facing criticism from every corner over relieving an official as director of public relations within two day of joining allegedly on the ground of his “disability”, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Friday offered him to rejoin the duty within 15 days if he is confident to discharge the duties of the post.
The officer, Rishi Raj Bhati, was sent back to his parent department, Delhi Transco Limited, on January 11, two day after he joined the post in the DDA, drawing sharp reactions from disability rights activists.
Dr Bhati, who has not yet taken any decision on rejoining, however, termed the wordings of DDA’s letter, rather condescending. “The language of letter is disheartening. They are still doubting my ability,” said Dr Bhati.
The rejoining letter issued by the office of DDA’s commissioner (personnel), M.K. Gupta, reads, “In the selection process there was no interview and the selection of candidate was purely made on the basis of the CV submitted by the applicants and the documents/information supplied by their parent departments. In your case, neither you nor your department mentioned about your physical status. When you reported in the DDA for joining the post of director (PR), only then it came to our notice that you are differently-abled.”
The rejoining letter also claims that Dr Bhati had consented to be sent back to the parent department. Dr Bhati, however, rebutted, “It was their unilateral decision and I had given my dissent immediately.”
“From your subsequent representation received on the same day, it appears that your feelings were hurt by the above action, though it was unintentional and taken with mutual consent. The DDA strictly follows the guidelines/directions of the government in letter and spirit,” the DDA said in the letter.
The DDA has also rejected the charge of discrimination. “This is a wrong allegation. We do not discriminate with anyone on the basis of anything, including physical conditions.”
“The aforesaid offer to the post of director (PR) is very much open for you and if you feel that you are confident to discharge the duties of the post, you are welcome to join within 15 days of issue of this letter,” the letter reads.