Ambassa SDM Faces Staff Protest Over Strict Action on Negligence

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 26, 2025

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ambassa, Rinku Reang, TCS Gr-I has come under criticism from a section of employees following her strict stance on staff negligence and irregularities. The discontent surfaced after a property tax section staff of the Ambassa Municipality suffered a nervous breakdown and was admitted to hospital.

According to sources in the SDM office, the concerned staff was directed to prepare details of property tax collection from different wards and issue notices to defaulters. Despite repeated instructions, the staff allegedly failed to submit the report for four consecutive days. Finally, on thursday, the SDM asked him to submit the incomplete notices for nearly 80–87 property tax defaulters by the afternoon. Under pressure, the staff, who is also a heart patient, reportedly broke down and had to be hospitalised.

However, the SDM office sources said that the staff had been neglecting his duties for a long time, and health issues cannot justify deliberate non-performance of official work. “Work has to be completed on time. Strictness is necessary to ensure accountability,” the SDM office official sources clarified.

Interestingly, it was also revealed that the staff’s son is employed as a planner in Ambassa Municipality. Sources allege that vested interests, including certain corrupt elements within the SDM office and municipality, may be fuelling the campaign against the SDM, who has maintained a tough stance since her posting in Ambassa. And yesterday they come to the street.

As per the SDM office sources, another reason why they come to the street was a new attendance regulation introduced recently which also stirred discontent. Under the circular, employees must attend office from 10 am to 5.45 pm, and the attendance register is returned at 6 pm to prevent staff from leaving early. This move reportedly irked many employees accustomed to irregular timings.

In another incident, a tahsildar allegedly parked his motorcycle inside the SDM residence without authorization. When police were called to verify the vehicle ownership, the motorcycle was seized but returned the next day. Sources further allege that the concerned tahsildar often travels from Kamalpur instead of staying in Ambassa, hampering his official duties.

Complaints of negligence have also been raised against some Booth Level Officers (BLOs). During one official meeting, a BLO was reportedly reprimanded by the SDM for negligence, while others were performing their duties sincerely. Later, the BLO fell ill and was admitted to hospital. However, SDM office sources clarified that the illness was not a result of verbal rebuke but unrelated health issues.

Despite protests and road blockades by a section of employees and supporters, officials maintain that discipline and accountability cannot be compromised in government service. Observers believe that the ongoing opposition against SDM Rinku Reang reflects discomfort among certain sections who feel threatened by her uncompromising stance on corruption and negligence.

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