Maharashtra Pro-tem Speaker Orders Suspension of MPCB Officials Over Meeting Absence

Maharashtra Assembly Pro-tem Speaker Dilip Lande ordered the suspension of two senior Maharashtra Pollution Control Board officials, Member Secretary M Devendra Singh and Joint Director Satish Padval, for failing to attend a briefing called by Environment Minister Pankaja Munde on pollution in Chandrapur. Lande described their absence as gross negligence and disrespect to the legislature. BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar also moved a breach of privilege motion against the MPCB. The suspension file was sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for approval. MPCB is chaired by Siddhesh Kadam of Shiv Sena, who was unavailable for comment.