‘Transfer’ biz takes a big hit under K. Chandrashekhar Rao

Hyderabad: There is a sharp slump in the business of transferring government employees under the new TS government.

Once a multi crore business under all governments in the past, it has been badly hit as ministers and legislators are reluctant to do favours since ‘Anna’ (KCR) is watching them. Unless ministers or legislators are very keen regarding a particular official, they are raising their hands saying, “Sorry can’t do it.”

Brokers who ruled the roost during previous governments too are finding the going tough as those in power are not obliging. Recently, a MP approached a minister for shifting an inspector, but the minister reportedly sought the CM’s approval.

Take the case of another minister who was approached by his close relative for the transfer of an MRO in Ranga Reddy district. To the surprise of his relatives, the minister said he can’t do it. “It was easy to transfer lower officials during the Congress and TD governments. But not anymore. Though I know the minister very well, he was helpless. I really pity him,” said a Congress leader. Ruling party ministers, legislators and party leaders too are finding the going tough. “We don’t want to get into this as Anna may get angry. It’s a fact that a large number of people approach us, but we politely turn down their request. Though they are hurt, we can't help,” a minister said.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao tightened norms on the transfer of government employees as he had promised during elections that no official would be shifted within three years from his post unless required.

The CM is personally looking into the posting of senior officials and those with a bad record are shunted to non-focal posts. But for the first time even lower level officials postings are under scrutiny.

According to a senior official, some ministers could get postings for officials of their choice, but such cases are negligible now.

While the CMO is literally out of bounds to the media and others except for those who have confirmed appointments, entry into the Secretariat too is highly restricted now.

The transfer of government employees, especially in revenue earning departments like GHMC, commercial taxes, excise, revenue department and those of doctors, ACPs, inspectors and SIs were a multi crore business.

In fact, there were some legislators, who specialised in the transfer of teachers and made a fast buck during the Telugu Desam and Congress governments. Even if they could not get a complete transfer, they prevailed upon the concerned to ensure the shifting of officials on deputation. The price ranged from Rs one lakh to Rs two lakh for teachers then while key posts costed a bomb.