THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Feeds Limited Assistant General Manager (in-charge) M.P. John, slapped with a show-cause notice for project irregularities and under in-house probe, has been deputed as managing director of Meat Products of India, triggering a row.

It is alleged that he was made the MD without collecting his biodata and the confidential report on him. Moreover, he has been nominated to the board of KFL also.

The implementation of Densified Fodder Block Plant at Muthalamada in Palakkad district remained incomplete even four years after its commencement by KFL which led to the government inquiry against Mr John.

He was also slapped with a showcause notice on the irregularities of funds worth Rs 1.78 lakh towards engaging labourers at the Hi-tech cattlefeed plant at Areekuzha in Idukki district.

The KFL management had shot off letters to the principal secretary of animal husbandry department (additional charge) Subrata Biswas seeking Mr John’s replacement on the director board of KFL with an animal nutrition expert from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University.

A top agriculture department official told DC that Dr. M. Suresh Kumar, former MD of MPI, was the first representative of MPI to be nominated to the board of KFL.

“Unfortunately, Dr. Suresh, a veterinarian and also the best performer, was removed from the post and instead John has been nominated to the board of KFL and also made the MD of MPI.

It is unfortunate that an official who is facing domestic inquiry is holding key posts. While the controversial official is on deputation, his salary too has leaped from Rs 51, 000 to Rs 87, 000 per month,” said a top government source.

Dr. Suresh who was terminated before his term ended had performed well as managing director of KFL, Kerala Livestock Development Board and Kerala State Poultry Development Corporation (KEPCO). KFL chairman and KC (M) leader Francis George feigned ignorance of Mr John being nominated to the board of KFL.

“As chairman, I don’t have any executive powers and am not aware of the inquiry against John. He cannot be nominated to the board and also appointed as MD of MPI without the concurrence of the agriculture minister,” said Mr Francis George.