Transfer proposals are still being considered in contravention of the settled provision : Govt.

In a serious administrative lapse and departure from the guiding principles some officers of Himachal Pradesh Government are accepting transfer proposals in contravention of the settled provision, which warrants stern action against the violator, this was an advisory issued by Sukhu government on February 22.

The Deputy Secretary of (Personnel) of Himachal Pradesh Government directed the concerned officers to draw attention towards office memorandum issued on July 10, 2013.

The Para 3 of the Principle contains the detail of officers or officials who could not be posted in their home districts, divisions, sub-divisions, ranges, adjoining range, blocks, adjoining beat, circles, adjoining circle etc.

About the blatant violation of OM the Deputy Secretary said that accordingly the transfer orders are to be issued very scrupulously and strictly as per the provisions laid down in the OM. However, it has come to the notice of the Government that transfer proposals are still being considered in contravention of the settled provision and orders are being issued in a routine manner.

“Departure from the guiding principles is a serious administrative lapse warranting stern action against the violator(s).” the Advisory mentions.  It has been decided that the transfer orders issued and adjustment made in violation of Para 3 of the O.M, referred to principal, be cancelled and withdrawn forthwith under information to personnel Department. The Personnel Department reiterated that provisions of the Para 3 of the O.M dated 10th July, 2013 should be followed while transfer proposal might be scrutinized minutely in accordance with the CGP 2013 dated 10th July, 2013 and given effect to with the prior approval of the competent authority.

It is also requested to bring to the notice of competent authority instances of those officers who are currently posted in relaxation of above said principles and take orders of the competent authority for continuation of these officers in their home districts etc. , as the case may be. These instructions may be brought to the notice of all concerned for compliance in letter and spirit and violation of the above shall attract action against the defaulting Officer ( s ) / Official ( s ).

Noteworthy, that one could not forget many strictures passed by Himachal Pradesh High court, most recent one against former BJP Political functionary about issuance of DO notes to effect transfer on political consideration recklessly.

Similar incidents are coming to fore in the Sukhu government, too. It is generally believed that the Congress government was voted to power riding on the pro-employees wave in its favour owing to Congress slogan of restoration of OPS but can governments also keep flouting the guiding principles to effect the transfer and posting on its whim and fancy.

Many employees in the State government sector feel that some decency is expected from both the politicians and employees so as to fulfil their social obligation and duty towards society at large.