One Section Officer Reemployed Continuously Since 2017 in Tripura State Secretariat: Latest Extension Sparks Allegations of Bias

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 10, 2025

In a development that has raised serious questions over administrative practices in the state, the Government of Tripura has once again reengaged Shri Dipak Dasgupta, a retired Section Officer, in the General Administration (Personnel & Training) Department on a contractual basis. This marks yet another extension since his retirement on April 30, 2017, making it over eight years of continuous reemployment in the Tripura State Secretariat.

According to an official notification dated June 26, 2025, Shri Dasgupta has been appointed as a Consultant for an additional period of six months, or until further orders. The notification was issued under the authority of the Governor and signed by Shri Jai Datta, Under Secretary to the Government of Tripura. His contractual pay will be fixed as per the usual rules.

However, this continued reengagement has triggered allegations of favoritism, ideological bias, and unfair treatment towards UR (Unreserved) candidates. Sources allege that the Additional Secretary of GA(P&T) is heavily reliant on Shri Dasgupta and continues to retain him despite his long-overdue retirement. There are further claims that Shri Dasgupta is ideologically aligned with leftist views and has been functioning against the interests of UR candidates in the Secretariat.

Government employees and civil society voices are expressing concern over the lack of transparency in contractual reappointments, especially when deserving young candidates are being denied opportunities. The recurring engagement of a single retired officer for nearly a decade has also sparked discussions about monopoly and administrative imbalance in critical departments like GA(P&T).

The government is yet to respond officially to these allegations or clarify the grounds for Shri Dasgupta’s repeated reappointments.

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