There have been a great number of transfers of officials at the Mantralaya state headquarters in the weeks before the announcement of the assembly elections, many of them seeking a shift to avoid embarrassment in the event that a new dispensation assumes power.
According to sources, there was a rush of requests for transfer in the past month or so from officials in various departments. Many of those whose requests were met are known to be close to ministers.
While a sizeable number appear to be worried that they might be targeted by a new government, some dared to seek and got better postings.
“We could not say no to them as we are moving out and we want to keep everyone happy. It's a parting gift for those who have served as our aides,” a senior Congress minister told dna.
Apparently, the time period available for this was so short that some of the orders were even faxed in order to overcome any possible delay in an usually longer administrative process.
However, this is not something new. “Whenever a government nears the end of its term, many of those who have been working with ministers look for safer postings as they worry that a new government might humiliate them. I don't see anything wrong with this,” said another minister, requesting anonymity.
Along with the transfers or the promotions comes improved benefits like accommodation and transport.
A senior official explained, “As we got nearer to the announcment of the elections we asked officials to put up their requests so they could be accommodated in suitable positions. Many staffers are comfortable working with certain ministers. It's an arrangement that helps both the stakeholders. As a result, most of the transfers happened in the past fortnight.”
The official pointed out that working with ministers isn't only about seeking favours, but it also meant putting in extra hours. “Most of the time we work for 10 to 12 hours and this keeps us away from family. Now, with a likely change in the dispensation I decided to take a side-posting so I get a little more time with family, at least till the elections are over,” he said. “If the minister returns to office, he could bring us back again if he chooses to.”
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}