Dehradun DM Savin Bansal gets protocol violation notice: Is it justified?
Dehradun: Uttarakhand capital Dehradun District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal, who is known for his swift administrative work and quick resolution of public problems, has recently come at the center of a controversy. The Uttarakhand government has issued him a notice for alleged violation of protocol standards during Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s visit to Dehradun on June 12, 2025. The incident has not only sparked discussion in administrative circles but also raised the question whether it is justified for a dedicated officer to face such action, especially when he is playing a key role in realizing the people-centric vision of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
What is the whole matter?
According to the information, on June 12, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla had arrived at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Administrative Academy (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie to attend the 127th Induction Training Program. During this time, Dehradun DM Savin Bansal was accused of not giving proper protocol and respect to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Considering the matter serious, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of the Government of India issued a letter expressing concern, after which the Uttarakhand government has sought an explanation from Savin Bansal.
Savin Bansal: Popular among the public, strict in administration
2009 batch IAS officer Savin Bansal, who originally hails from Haryana, is known in Uttarakhand for his dedication and people-centric working style. Since taking charge as Dehradun DM, he has taken many notable steps. Whether it is to improve the arrangements by conducting surprise inspections in the government hospital in Rishikesh, taking action against over-rating at liquor shops, or strictness against land mafias, Savin Bansal has always given priority to the problems of the public. He settled many complaints in public hearings and ensured immediate solution in many cases. Apart from this, he changed the excise rules and limited the time limit for bar operations in Dehradun to 11 pm, which was considered a bold step towards maintaining law and order. Savin Bansal is playing an important role in bringing Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s vision ‘Sashakt Uttarakhand’ to the ground. The emphasis of the Dhami government is on zero tolerance against corruption, transparent administration and public convenience, and Savin Bansal is actively working in this direction. The surprise inspections conducted by him, such as action against indiscipline of employees in Sadar Tehsil office and ensuring transparency in the preparations for the Panchayat elections, are proof of his working style.
The question of notice: justified or exaggerated?
The news of notice being issued to Savin Bansal has raised many questions. On the one hand, following the protocol is an important part of administrative discipline, and its neglect during the visit of high-ranking officials and dignitaries is taken seriously. The government did not consider it appropriate to show negligence towards a person holding a constitutional post like the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. On the other hand, some people are considering such action against an officer like Savin Bansal, who is active day and night in the service of the public, as an exaggeration. There is also a lot of discussion on this issue on social media. The question arises whether it is appropriate to give so much importance to a small lapse of a dedicated officer, especially when his focus is on serving the public?
Vision of Chief Minister Dhami and the role of Savin Bansal
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who is himself a young and energetic leader, has resolved to make Uttarakhand a corruption-free and development-oriented state. His government has taken many important steps in areas like education, health, tourism and law and order. Officers like Savin Bansal are important links in implementing this vision. His strict working style and direct communication with the public strengthens the policies of the Dhami government. In such a situation, some people are considering the notice in a case like protocol violation as unnecessary interference in administrative work.
The matter of notice to Savin Bansal raises the question of balance between administrative discipline and public service. On the one hand, following the protocol is important, on the other hand, how fair is it to punish an officer who gives priority to the problems of the public for a minor lapse, but it is clear that the hard work and dedication of officers like Savin Bansal is contributing significantly to the development of Uttarakhand, and their working style is helpful in realizing the vision of Chief Minister Dhami.
