Making Circus out of CRIS-Selection of Satya Kumar: Part-I

CRIS and Satya Kumar : Yet Another Choice of MR Set to Embarrass

Note: This is a whistle blower account which we confirmed from multiple sources. We welcome counter view of those who are named and assure them of space to give their point of view. Further we request Minister and CRB to investigate the claims made by the whistle blower which have been found true by several serving railway officers

According to a popular Turkish proverb, “When a Clown moves into a Palace, he doesn’t become a King. The Palace instead becomes a Circus”. This proverb is nowadays gaining traction on WhatsApp for entirely different reasons but can said to be perfect fit to describe the situation prevailing in Centre For Railway Information Systems (#CRIS) right now.

It’s been more than one and a half years since Satya Kumar moved into CRIS as head of the organisation, promising the sun, the moon and the stars to the higher ups in the Railway Board.

People had always doubted him to be full of bluster, but felt that perhaps a corporate minister identified something that missed them. All those who reposed faith in him stand disillusioned now, what with his tall claims of executing landmark projects in 100 days lying in ruins and tatters, exposing him for what he really is-utterly #incompetent blinded by his ego and ambition.

We have in the past few months been highlighting how Mr #SatyaKumar has destroyed systems at CRIS, but we now bring to the attention of our readers in detail the multiple scams that have unfolded in CRIS over the past just about one year – starting with the greatest scam of them all – the appointment and posting process in CRIS itself.

Dec 9, 2024: Whistle Blower Raises Serious Question on another of Minister’s Favourite: “Emergence of New Sudheer Kumar”

The story we are bringing to our readers today brings out in detail how well established systems can be rigged to favour the undeserving inflicting long term damage on organisations that have well evolved over many decades.

Gaming the Selection Process: How System Fell in Line

The story opens with the appointment process of Satya Kumar himself. In the bustling corridors of the #IndianRailways, a shadow of controversy has been looming over the prestigious post of #MD/CRIS for quite some time now, which now is being discussed openly thanks to our earlier exposes on the subject. At the heart of the storm is #GVLSatyaKumar, whose ascent to the role was fraught with #whispers of #corruption, #favouritism, and cunning #manipulation.

The tale begins on December 29, 2021, when the #RailwayBoard published a vacancy notice for the Managing Director’s position in CRIS. The post, at an #HAG+ level (#GM Level) with a pay scale in Level-16 of the 7th #CPC Pay Matrix, demanded a candidate of high caliber – and therefore, among others, #eligibility conditions stipulated a requirement of serving Central Government employee holding a post equivalent to Additional Secretary (Level-15 of the 7th CPC). Among the many who saw this opportunity, one man stood out as conspicuously ineligible: “Shri GVL Satya Kumar, who was then serving at the level of Joint Secretary with a pay scale of Level-14”.

Applications came in, and a search-cum-selection committee, comprising senior Secretary level officials from across ministries (#DoPT, #MEITY & #Railways), was formed. The committee’s meticulous evaluation led them to recommend Sh #AmitVardhan, a deserving candidate who fit the stringent criteria.

But behind the scenes, Satya Kumar had other plans. Unwilling to let go of this golden opportunity, he resorted to every trick in the book that could be thought of. Leveraging influence, including political connections he stalled the appointment process. His relentless efforts derailed Mr Vardhan’s candidacy, casting a shadow over the entire process, and the file pertaining to his appointment went into cold storage.

In a surprising twist, the Railway Board, seemingly under immense pressure, issued a new vacancy notice for the post of MD/CRIS on December 16, 2022. This time, the post was downgraded to #HAG level, Level-15 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix, conveniently aligning with Satya Kumar’s current status. The eligibility criteria were also relaxed to include Joint Secretaries with five years of regular service, making him a perfect fit. It was openly said that Satya Kumar, then #DRM/Mumbai Central would be brought in.

Despite objections from some quarters, including the Secretary/DOPT, who sought clarification on the status of the previous recommendations, the gears of #bureaucracy moved in Satya Kumar’s favour. A new committee was constituted, and in what many insiders called a farcical process solely as a ritualistic procedure, he was recommended for the position.

The saga of Satya Kumar’s ascent to the MD post at CRIS is more than just a tale of personal ambition—it is a stark reflection of the deep-seated issues within the bureaucratic system. His manipulation of the system, driven by corruption and political manoeuvring, calls for a thorough investigation and immediate action to restore integrity and fairness. That he was thoroughly undeserving not just in #technical eligibility but also lacking in #leadership qualities required to man positions of higher echelons of power has been well proven by his stint at CRIS.

As the story of Shri GVL Satya Kumar unfolds, one can’t help but wonder how many more such tales remain hidden, waiting for a courageous voice to bring them to light. This brings us to the second part of the story of the day.

Was it a thank you or laying foundation for future several retired officers of Railways were given sinecures:

Nov 27, 2024: “Worst that leaders can do is unethical & immoral conduct”

…Part-II Follows