Rift with MLAs prove costly for IAS officers

WARANGAL: With just one year to go for the general election, the state government’s major reshuffle of IAS officers has not gone down well, especially the relocation of collectors of certain districts who have rubbed political leaders the wrong way. 

Jangaon district president of the Telangana Vidyavanthula Vedika (TVV), Kodam Kumaraswamy, calls it unconstitutional to transfer collectors just because they refuse to comply with the orders of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi leaders. 

“Jangaon collector A. Sri Devasena has earned a good name for herself since being appointed as the first collector of the newly formed Jangoan district. During this one year, she has achieved many targets of the state and Central governments, be it Haritha Haaram or ODF (open defecation free). Her friendly nature has earned her a good name among the people too. We condemn the government letting politics rub off onto such a dedicated officer,” he said.  This view was echoed by others in the district.

Ms Devasena and MLA M. Yadagiri Reddy had a falling out. The Collector came out in the open with proof that the MLA tried to encroach the Bathukamma Kunta area and temple land. The government had to accept that the allegations were true. But Ms Devasena has nevertheless been transferred as collector of Peddapalli.

Similarly, the Mahbubabad collector Dr Preethi Meena stood up to the alleged harassment of local MLA Shankar Naik. She filed a police complaint and also complained to the Chief Secretary. She too has been moved out and posted as director, AIDS Control Society.

Jayashankar Bhupalapalli collector A. Murali had his share of controversies. He commented against the Brahmanical culture and called the MPDOs in the district good for nothing. 

For such frankness, he has been moved to the State Archives as director. With less than a month to go for the Medaram Jatara, it was not the best time to effect a transfer and people are wondering how the arrangements will be monitored.

Collectors from neighbouring districts have been given full additional charges for these districts.