Gujarat : Vadodara CGST Officers Protest Termination, Demand Justice for Inspector Abhijat Srivastava

Vadodara : The Superintendent’s and Inspector’s Associations of Vadodara Zone congregated in a show of solidarity at GST Bhawan, Vadodara, donned with black ribbons, echoing their support for Abhijat Srivastava, Inspector of Lucknow Zone, who faced termination from service for daring to confront maladministration and other wrongful practices within the system. This gathering marks a poignant moment in the ongoing struggle for accountability and transparency within the Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) department.

Dozens of officers from the CGST department in Vadodara rallied at the GST Bhawan, bedecked with black ribbons, to partake in a collective expression of support for Abhijat Srivastava, Inspector of Lucknow Zone. Srivastava’s unwavering commitment to upholding integrity and exposing malpractices within the system led to his termination by an arbitrary order issued on March 12, 2024, by K P Singh, Principal Commissioner, CGST & CX, Lucknow.

The nationwide movement, dubbed as the “Black Week,” commenced on March 18 and will persist until March 22, accompanied by a lunch-hour agitation program scheduled for March 22. This concerted effort aims to denounce the unjust removal of Srivastava and to demand his rightful reinstatement.

In the eyes of the CGST officers, Srivastava epitomizes the role of a whistleblower, fearlessly shedding light on corruption and misuse of governmental resources within Lucknow. Despite facing mounting pressure, Srivastava remained resolute in his pursuit of justice, refusing to succumb to coercion.

The dismissal of Inspector Abhijat Srivastava, a prominent figure within the Lucknow division of Uttar Pradesh, has sparked outrage among the All India Inspectors Association. As the General Secretary of AICEIA Lucknow Circle, Srivastava’s actions reverberated beyond his immediate jurisdiction, drawing attention to systemic issues plaguing the CGST and CX Lucknow.

“This action against Inspector Srivastava is an affront to our collective efforts to combat corruption,” remarked a senior inspector of CGST, Vadodara, emphasizing the significance of unity in the face of adversity.

“The termination of Srivastava underscores the challenges faced by individuals striving to uphold ethical standards within bureaucratic frameworks. The implications of such actions extend far beyond the individual, casting a shadow on the broader discourse surrounding accountability and transparency within governmental institutions” he added.