KKN Gurugram Desk | The Bihar government has suspended Captain Vivek Parimal, who served as the pilot and responsible manager for the Directorate of Aviation. The suspension was ordered following allegations of serious negligence during Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra, where Captain Parimal failed to fulfill critical responsibilities.

Negligence and Disciplinary Lapses

Captain Parimal, tasked with overseeing helicopter operations for the Chief Minister’s tour, was absent from duty starting January 3, 2025. According to the Cabinet Secretariat, Parimal neglected essential responsibilities, including:

• Coordinating helipad clearances (NOC).
• Providing photos and videos to helicopter operators.
• Ensuring smooth coordination between different teams involved in the helicopter’s operation.

This absence during a crucial government initiative was deemed a severe lapse in duty and discipline. The government considered his actions as “gross negligence and indiscipline”, prompting his immediate suspension.

Responsibilities Unfulfilled

As the responsible manager of the Directorate of Aviation, Captain Parimal had critical duties related to helicopter and aviation management for VVIPs, including:

• Facilitating operations for high-ranking officials such as the Chief Minister and the Governor.
• Managing the King Air C-90 A/B VT-EBG aircraft used for state officials.
• Ensuring compliance with aviation protocols, such as maintaining necessary operational currency.

His failure to obtain essential certifications for operating government aircraft further compounded the concerns.

Unavailability and Lack of Communication

The situation escalated when Captain Parimal was found unreachable. Both his mobile phones have reportedly been switched off since January 3. The lack of communication created operational difficulties during Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra, as the coordination for helicopter-related logistics suffered significant setbacks.

The Pragati Yatra, a statewide development initiative, required seamless management of helicopter operations, especially for helipad clearances and coordination at district levels. Captain Parimal’s absence disrupted these processes, impacting the overall efficiency of the tour.

Government Action

The Cabinet Secretariat swiftly issued a suspension order, citing Captain Parimal’s dereliction of duty and lack of professionalism. The suspension is seen as a strong message to government officials regarding the importance of accountability, particularly when handling responsibilities for high-profile events.

The order highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring that VVIP aviation operations are managed with the utmost diligence and reliability.

Impact on Pragati Yatra

The Pragati Yatra, a critical initiative led by CM Nitish Kumar to review developmental projects across Bihar, relies heavily on efficient logistical support. Helicopter operations play a vital role in ensuring the Chief Minister’s accessibility to remote districts. The disruption caused by Captain Parimal’s negligence posed challenges to the smooth execution of this ambitious program.

Despite the hurdles, the government ensured that the tour continued without major delays, showcasing its commitment to Bihar’s development.

Key Points of the Suspension

1. Negligence of Duty: Captain Parimal failed to perform essential responsibilities, including coordinating helipad clearances and ensuring logistical support during the Pragati Yatra.
2. Unprofessional Conduct: His extended absence from duty and inability to communicate with the Directorate of Aviation violated professional standards.
3. Failure to Maintain Certification: As a pilot, Captain Parimal did not secure the necessary currency required for operating the King Air C-90 A/B VT-EBG, a key aircraft used for VVIP flights.
4. Government Response: The suspension order reflects the state’s strict stance on maintaining discipline and accountability in public service.

What is Pragati Yatra?

The Pragati Yatra is a statewide development tour undertaken by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The initiative involves visiting multiple districts to assess ongoing projects, interact with locals, and address regional concerns. Helicopter operations are a crucial aspect of the program, ensuring the Chief Minister can cover remote and geographically challenging areas effectively.

The tour underscores the government’s commitment to grassroots development and real-time assessment of public infrastructure projects. Smooth execution of logistics, including aviation operations, is vital for its success.

Lessons and Future Implications

The suspension of Captain Parimal sends a clear message about the importance of professionalism and accountability in public administration. Aviation operations, particularly those involving VVIPs, demand strict adherence to protocols and reliability. This incident highlights the need for:

• Stronger oversight in government departments to ensure compliance with responsibilities.
• Better communication systems to handle contingencies during critical operations.
• Regular training and certifications for officials managing aviation duties.

The government’s prompt action demonstrates its resolve to uphold operational efficiency, even in the face of challenges.

The suspension of Captain Vivek Parimal during CM Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra highlights the critical role of accountability and efficiency in public service. His negligence disrupted important aviation operations but also underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining discipline and ensuring smooth execution of developmental initiatives.

As Bihar continues its journey toward progress, such measures serve as a reminder that every individual’s responsibility contributes to the broader goals of governance and development. For more updates on Bihar’s progress and administrative actions, stay tuned to our platform.