Imphal, August 29: While dismissing the allegations of the proscribed KYKL that he had taken Rs 50,000 to revoke suspension order of former Secretary of Board of Secondary Education manipur (BSEM) Ph Nandakumar Sharma, Education Minister L Jayentakumar said he is more than willing to step down from his post if his sincerity and integrity is doubted.

"At no point of time of my tenure as the Minister had I dealt with anybody like this.

This is totally baseless and unfounded," said the Minister at a press conference held at his Babupara residence this evening.

He also described as ridiculous the charges when even as he is trying to streamline the education system.

Regarding allegation that he had written a UO letter to the Commissioner (Education) to do the needful for revocation of Nandakumar's suspension, the Minister clarified that he had written it only to be informed on legal aspect of the suspension as six months period for investigating the case had already lapsed.

"My UO letter does not necessarily mean that his (Nandakumar's) suspension should be revoked," asserted Jayentakumar.

To prove his point he also quoted the Govt Service Discipline Rules, "Review and Revocation to avoid great hardship, suspension should not be unduly prolonged.

When it has been decided to institute criminal proceedings against a government servant in a court of law, efforts should ne made to file the charge-sheet in a Court within three months.

Likewise in departmental action, the total period of investigation and disciplinary proceedings should not ordinarily exceed six months.

"If anybody doubts my sincerity I'll talk to the Chief Minister and the MPCC leaders on the matter and I'll tender my resignation as Minister at any time.

I can also work for the welfare of the people as an MLA," Jayentakumar, who was also a member in the judiciary, said.

Meanwhile, the State Vigilance Department is informed to be investigating the charges which are almost similar with what the KYKL levelled against Nandakumar.

Following a complaint lodged by a student body in 2006 alleging that Nandakumar after conspiring with the former BSEM Chairman had promoted 30 employees and appointed another 18 persons as LDCs and Grade IV in the Board the investigation is being initiated, said reliable source.

"Investigation into the matter and recommendation for appropriate action against the guilty would be made very soon," the source added.

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