Revenue principal secretary threatens to go on leave over junior official's transfer
Thiruvananthapuram: In what has come as a surprise, a senior bureaucrat came out strongly against the decision of the State cabinet which transferred a junior IAS officer without his knowledge. Revenue Principal Secretary Dr V Venu IAS has threatened to go on leave if Premkumar, a junior IAS official, is not brought back to the post of director of Survey and Land records.
Venu made his statement in a WhatsApp group of IAS officials.
Earlier he had handed over a letter to Chief Secretary against Premkumar’s transfer. "Premkumar was posted only a few months back and has been handling all matters relating to the department with responsibility and diligence. As the Secretary in charge of the department, I have full satisfaction with his work. It is shocking that he has been removed without any discernible reason. I should have been consulted. The abrupt transfer of a young IAS officer will not only demotivate him, but send a negative signal to the officers serving in responsible positions," read Venu's letter.
"As a leader of a team, I feel that it's my responsibility to take this issue up as this affects the morale of my officers. I would urge the Chief Secretary to submit this matter for reconsideration of Chief Minister and Council of Ministers, so that the decision is revoked and he is posted back," said Venu.
There exists severe protest among young IAS officials against Premkumar’s transfer.
The cabinet meet chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday decided to transfer Premkumar from the post of Survey Director. He was given the charge just six months back.
Chief Secretary is being severely criticised for the move. There were allegations that it shows his failure in managing the cadre.
According to notification issued by Union Home Ministry in 2014, an officer should be given a post for at least two years. Only then they can perform their duties well. But this guideline is frequently violated in Kerala, it is alleged.
(With inputs from IANS)