Though Chief Minister Giridhar Gamang ordered his suspension on Saturday afternoon before leaving for New Delhi, the official notification in this regard is yet to be issued. The delay in issuing the notification has only exposed the fact that the top bureaucracy is unhappy with the decision.

Official sources said the decision to purchase polythene sheets at a fixed rate of Rs 74 per kg had the approval of the Chief Secretary, Special Chief Secretary (Industry), who was in charge of the relief operations and the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance). The rate of Rs 74 per kg was also decided by a three-member official committee comprising, Director, EPM, joint director, EPM and managing director of the Orissa Small Industries Corporation (OSIC).

According to sources, orders for polythene sheets were placed with the five companies after a decision was taken at the monitoring committee meeting on November 19. A decision was also taken at the same meeting, presided by the Chief Secretary, that spot purchase of polythene sheets should be made from Calcutta taking into account the urgent requirement.

However, a separate order in a note sheet by the Chief Minister with regard to the purchase of polythene reportedly reached the SRC on November 20 evening by which time orders for polythene had already been issued. The Chief Minister had reportedly given three directions in the note sheet. They were to give open advertisement for polythene purchase to form a checking squad and invite sealed tenders.

Talking to The Indian Express, Padhi maintained that he had done nothing wrong. ``I have taken all decisions according to the procedure laid down by the Government,'' he said adding ``this is an opportunity to vindicate my reputation as an honest and efficient officer''. Padhi's 28-year-long career as an IAS officer is without any blemish. An IAS officer of 1971 cadre, he has served in various capacities including district collector, Mayurbhanj, secretary in the School and Mass Education, Steel and Mines, Culture, Tourism, Sports and Youth Affairs and other departments with distinction. A noted Rotarian, Padhi was also its District Governor in 1996-97.