More than 350 government officials have reportedly been transferred across departments in Kerala ahead of the new administration taking office, triggering allegations of political influence and planned protests by employee organisations.
Thiruvananthapuram: Mass transfers have begun across multiple government departments in Kerala, with more than 350 officials reportedly relocated before the new government has formally taken office.
According to administrative sources, transfer orders have already been issued in several departments, with further changes expected from Monday. In some cases, even departments that typically follow online transfer systems are said to have received direct orders from senior officials.
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Authorities have stated that the transfers were carried out for “administrative convenience.”
Departments affected by large-scale reshuffle
The reshuffle has impacted several key departments across the state administration.
In the Cooperation and Registration department alone, 52 officials were transferred from offices in Kollam. Around 50 staff members were moved in the Revenue department.
Other departments also saw significant changes, including:
- Audit Department: 31 officials
- Irrigation: 35 officials
- Technical Education: 34 officials
- Statistics: 22 officials
- Land Revenue Commissionerate: 20 officials
- GST Department: 14 officials
Health and Local Self-Government departments have also reportedly issued transfer orders.
Allegations of political influence emerge
The timing and scale of the transfers have sparked allegations that recommendations from pro-government employee organisations may have influenced the process.
Critics have claimed that organisational leaders began influencing administrative decisions even before ministerial appointments were finalised under the new government setup.
However, the NGO Association has defended the move, stating that the transfers are routine and aimed at shifting employees who have remained in the same postings for extended periods, in some cases up to 10 years.
Several employee organisations have raised objections to the mass transfers and announced protest actions.
Left-affiliated organisations, including the Joint Council, have decided to stage demonstrations on Monday, including at the Alappuzha Collectorate.
Joint Council state secretariat member Haridas Iravunkara said the organisation is not opposed to routine administrative transfers but objects to what they describe as irregular or politically influenced postings.
Sharp political reactions over transfer row
The controversy has also triggered political responses from various employee groups.
NGO Union state general secretary M. V. Sasidharan stated that more than 350 transfers were carried out even before the new government formally assumed office.
SETO Chairman Chavara Jayakumar alleged that LDF-aligned organisations are behind the current reshuffle, claiming there is an attempt to secure preferred postings during the administrative transition period.
He further stated that pro-government organisations are being used to influence transfer decisions during the change in administration.
Large-scale transfers during government transitions are not uncommon in state administrations, often justified as part of routine restructuring or workload balancing.
However, such moves frequently become politically sensitive, particularly when implemented before new ministers officially assume office, leading to disputes between employee unions and administrative authorities.
The current developments in Kerala have intensified these concerns, with both sides preparing for further confrontation over the issue.
Published: 11 May 2026, 07:18 am IST
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