PM intervenes after BSF punishes constable with 7-day salary cut for saying ‘Modi programme’

A Border Security Force (BSF) constable punished for ‘disrespecting’ Narendra Modi has been spared a seven-day salary cut after the Prime Minister on Wednesday expressed displeasure on the penance and directed the officers of the paramilitary to immediately pull back the order.  

Spokesperson of the paramilitary confirmed the development and said, “Prime Minister has expressed his displeasure. The order has been rescinded.”

The BSF spokesperson further added that they have cautioned the concerned Commandant “for not dealing with the matter judiciously.”

The BSF order which had penalised the constable said, “On 21.2.2018, during zero parade, while giving report, you used words ‘Modi Programme’ which shows disrespect towards Honorable Prime Minister.”

A BSF senior officer said that the commanding officer of the unit, Commandant Anup Lal Bhagat, ordered the constable to hand down ‘a pay fine of 7 days’.

The BSF official clarifying the constable’s comments said, “He referred to an event that he attended as ‘Modi programme’ during the assembly.”

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The officer added that the constable said so at the time when the troopers brief seniors about their oficial activities.

He added that the commanding officer found the reference ‘Modi programme’ — an event in which PM Modi was present — by the constable as improper and ordered an inquiry against him. The constable was held guilty and charged with indiscipline.