Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal

Bhopal, Nov 18: The Mohan Yadav-led Madhya Pradesh government has exonerated IAS officer Ajay Katesaria of all major allegations linked to alleged irregularities during his tenure as Collector of Satna district.

Katesaria had faced serious charges of passing unlawful orders in multiple land-related cases between February 2020 and December 2021. He was accused of facilitating illegal transfer of government land to private individuals, deleting the word “government” from land records, and violating provisions of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

The allegations were detailed in a departmental chargesheet issued on March 30, 2022, followed by an additional chargesheet on July 24, 2024. At least nine separate land cases were cited as examples where Katesaria’s decisions were claimed to be against government interest.

In an order dated November 7, the General Administration Department concluded that most of his decisions were judicial or quasi-judicial in nature, taken in compliance with directions of the Board of Revenue and courts. It noted that several matters were still pending before the High Court and that revenue officers enjoy protection from disciplinary action in such proceedings.

The government, however, pointed out one concern, stating that there was a “lack of adequate oversight and vigilance” in implementing a Revenue Board decision. Based on this, the department issued a formal warning, advising him to exercise due caution in future, while closing the case without any penalty.

The order was issued by Under Secretary (Personnel) Farheen Khan in the name of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh.

Katesaria, currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the General Administration Department, had strongly refuted the allegations. He termed the chargesheet “malicious” and accused the Commissioner, Rewa, of misrepresenting facts. He maintained that all his decisions were lawful, rational, and supported by previous judicial rulings. He also stated that even during Assembly sessions, the Revenue Department had upheld the correctness of his orders.

With the government granting him a clean chit, the case now stands officially closed, barring the cautionary note for future conduct.