The Director of Punjab’s Language Department, Jaswant Singh Zafar, has publicly accused a segment of the state’s bureaucracy of orchestrating a plan to effectively dismantle the department. Zafar alleges that these efforts are being carried out through deliberate actions such as withholding crucial funds, delaying administrative decisions, and creating systematic hindrances to the department’s normal functioning.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Zafar made these serious allegations through a post on a social media platform. In his statement, he claimed to have received intelligence from a high-level government source indicating that a coalition of bureaucrats was actively seeking to bring about the termination of the Language Department. Zafar further asserted that the sequence of events and the operational challenges encountered by the department over the past several months strongly support his claims of a concerted attempt to undermine its existence.
Elaborating on the specific grievances, Zafar detailed several instances that he believes are indicative of this alleged bureaucratic campaign. He pointed out that approximately 70 books, which have been prepared and are awaiting publication through the Printing and Stationery Department, have not been allocated any budgetary funds. This situation persists despite explicit directives issued by the Chief Minister’s office. The lack of financial allocation is reportedly impeding the timely release of these literary works.
Furthermore, Zafar alleged that payments for at least five to six literary events that were organized by the department over the preceding three months have been deliberately withheld. This has created financial strain and logistical difficulties for the department’s outreach activities. Adding to the concerns, he stated that contractual workers who were employed to fill nearly 70 vacant positions for attendants and sanitation staff were not permitted to continue their employment beyond April 1. This decision has apparently led to a deficit in essential support services within the department.
The Director also highlighted that promotions for departmental officers have been systematically denied, which he suggests is another tactic to demoralize staff and disrupt the department’s administrative hierarchy. In a related matter, Zafar claimed that no decisive action has been taken to reclaim the department’s prominent building, Sahit Sadan, from the possession of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). This has been a recurring issue, with repeated requests for vacation of the premises apparently going unaddressed, thereby impacting the department’s ability to utilize its own assets.
Despite these substantial operational challenges and alleged deliberate obstructions, Zafar emphasized that the Language Department has continued to persevere and fulfill its mandate. He stated that the departmental team has managed to successfully publish long-pending literary journals, even in the absence of dedicated publication funds. The department has also continued with the planning and organization of literary programmes, notwithstanding the unresolved issues of pending payments and persistent attempts to demoralize its officers and employees.
The allegations by the Director of the Language Department bring to the fore potential internal governance issues within the Punjab government, raising questions about inter-departmental coordination and the functioning of state-run bodies. The situation underscores the complexities that can arise when administrative directives face perceived resistance or deliberate inaction from bureaucratic structures, impacting the delivery of services and cultural initiatives.
The Punjab government has yet to formally respond to the specific allegations made by Jaswant Singh Zafar regarding the alleged attempts to wind up the Language Department. The implications of such claims, if substantiated, could necessitate a thorough review of administrative processes and accountability mechanisms within the state machinery. The continued functioning of the department under these reported circumstances highlights the dedication of its staff while simultaneously pointing to the need for resolution of the cited administrative and financial impediments.
The Chenab Times News Desk