Srinagar, August 12, KDC: J&K Transport Minister Satish Sharma has sought the immediate removal of Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, alleging “open defiance”, “persistent insubordination”, bypassing of the Ministry and discourteous conduct towards the minister.
In a formal communication dated August 6, 2026 to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Sharma according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com, raised what he described as a matter of “serious concern” over the conduct of Mahajan, stating that his continued defiance and alleged disregard for the authority of the Ministry had reached a point where the orderly administration of the Transport Department was being seriously compromised.
“I am writing to bring to your kind and urgent personal attention a matter of serious concern relating to the conduct of Sh. Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, Transport Commissioner, J&K, whose continued defiance and disrespect towards the authority of this Ministry has reached a point where the orderly administration of the Transport Department is being seriously compromised,” Sharma said in the communication to CM Omar Abdullah.
The Minister said he had been compelled to raise the matter formally after exhausting other means of resolving it.
According to the communication, the conduct giving rise to the concern included “open defiance to written/verbal directives, bypassing the Ministry, discourteous conduct/communication towards the Minister.”
Sharma said that he had initially attempted to address the matter informally and through internal channels, but alleged that there had been no improvement in the Transport Commissioner’s conduct.
“Despite these efforts, there has been no improvement in the Commissioner’s conduct, and the pattern of disregard for the Ministry’s directions has, if anything, continued,” the Minister stated.
The Minister further emphasised the administrative role of the Transport Commissioner, stating that the officer functions as the principal executive officer of the Transport Department under the policy direction and overall supervision of the Minister-in-charge.
“Persistent insubordination by a senior officer not only undermines the authority and dignity of the elected office but also disrupts the chain of administrative accountability, adversely affects the morale of the Department, and ultimately impedes the delivery of public services to the citizens,” Sharma stated.
In the communication, Sharma has specifically requested that Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, be immediately moved out of the post of Transport Commissioner, J&K, and that a suitable officer of appropriate seniority be posted in his place.
“I would request that Sh. Vishesh Paul Mahajan, JKAS, Transport Commissioner, J&K, be immediately moved out of the post of Transport Commissioner, and a suitable officer of appropriate seniority be posted in his/her place, so that the normal functioning of the Department can be restored without further disruption,” the letter states. (KDC)
