BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 13th August 2025: A religious chanting programme took place during official working hours inside a government office in Dharmanagar which has raised questions about the use of government property for non-official purposes.
Today, a Thakur Naam Kirtan program was conducted inside the office room of the Deputy Director of Food (Transit) at the Batrasi Food department. The event reportedly took place during regular office hours, drawing criticism from local residents and civil society members.
Sources informed that the permission for the event was granted by former Deputy Director Amit Ghosh, who has recently been transferred from the post. Ghosh defended his decision stating that the second floor houses essential departments while several rooms on the ground floor remain vacant. He claimed the chanting was organized at the request of local residents and did not disrupt office operations.
“If there’s no inconvenience to staff, why shouldn’t religious events be allowed?” Ghosh reportedly told media personnel expressing irritation at being questioned. He further challenged the media’s presence, asking under whose authority they were investigating office matters.
Currently, the office is overseen by Deputy Director S R Jangte, who is stationed at the Dharmanagar District Magistrate’s office. Despite his transfer, Ghosh is said to be continuing to exert influence over the food department’s activities, which has fueled further concern.
Local citizens have questioned the appropriateness of holding religious ceremonies in government buildings, especially when alternative venues are available..
When pressed for further comment, Ghosh declined to speak on camera stating that any discussion on the matter would require clearance from higher authorities.
The episode has prompted calls for an official inquiry into the use of government facilities for religious purposes and whether such permissions can be granted unilaterally by individual officers.
