Kavaratti: A mass transfer of staff has been reported in the Lakshadweep fisheries department amid the protests against the administrator. A total of 39 employees were transferred from the fisheries department.

The order issued by the secretary of fisheries department on Tuesday pointed out that the officials are transferred for the smooth operation of the fisheries department. Meanwhile, the administration authority denied permission for the AICC team to visit the island.

The transferred staff were directed to immediately report at the office mentioned in the order. The senior officials are also directed to immediately relieve the employees who got transfer without waiting for the arrival of new staff.

The department secretary issued an order transferring 39 employees citing it is necessary to strengthen the functioning of the sector.

The department has issued the order amid mounting protests against Lakshadweep administrator Praful Khoda Patel. Earlier, the administrator issued an order terminating contract workers in various departments and evaluate efficiency of the staff.

In the wake of the disturbances in Lakshadweep, the authority denied permission for the AICC team’s visit. MP KC Venugopal had declared the other day that a team of AICC members would visit Lakshadweep and review the situation.

Following this, AICC submitted a request to the Lakshadweep authority seeking permission to visit the island. But citing the COVID situation and curfew, the authority denied permission for the AICC team.

The controversial administrator Praful Khoda Patel is not present at the island currently. He is expected to reach within two days. So, the authorities informed the AICC team that their request to visit the island will be considered once the administrator returns to the island.