Tackling the drought was supposed to be the government’s top priority, but its ministers seem to be busy finalising transfers in their respective departments.
In the past few days, the Home and Public Works Departments have gone on a transfer spree, and more departments seem set to follow suit.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Forest, Fisheries and other departments are ready with their transfer lists and are waiting for the CM’s nod, sources said.
“This being an election year, ministers and MLAs want to have officials of their choice in key positions. What is wrong in it? In the next few days, there will be more transfers,” a senior minister in the Shettar government told Express on Tuesday on condition of anonymity.
According to a 2001 government order, transfer of government servants shall be made by the Cadre Management Authority (CMA) only between April and May.
However, under extraordinary circumstances, a transfer may be considered by the CMA beyond the period of transfer for reasons to be recorded in writing and after obtaining the CM’s approval.
“Except that it is an election year, there is no extraordinary reason for transfers,” a source in the PWD said.
In a faction-ridden party and government, the CM has hardly any choice but to oblige his ministers. Sources said the Chief Minister was not keen on reshuffling 57 engineers in the PWD. But transfers were effected following intervention by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.
PWD Minister C M Udasi, a known Yeddyurappa loyalist, however, denied the former CM had any role in the transfers. “Transfers are a routine administrative process,” he said.
Efforts by Express to reach Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar failed.
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