JOIN USBabus prefer Palike postings
A survey conducted after repeated complaints on overstaying confirmed that about 900 officials on deputation to the Palike had exceeded their three-year tenure. A week ago, the BBMP ordered repatriation of 73 officials. A list of another 50 such officials is said to be awaiting clearance.
Bouncing back
However, even before BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah could finalise the list, eight officials repatriated at the first instance were back at the Palike! Courtesy, political backing.
Ravi N K, Satish Kumar B and Venugopal are stated to have managed their return journey to the Palike.
Ravi, a Public works Department (PWD) employee, was on deputation as BBMP Assistant Executive Engineer, in Shettihalli. Satish, an AEE, was posted at Chandra Layout sub-division of the Palike. They were repatriated as they completed their three-year stint. But both returned claiming they were yet to complete their deputation period.
Venugopal had come on deputation from the Karnataka State Financial Corporation (KSFC), four years ago. According to the Karnataka Civil Services Rules, a public servant can be deputed to another department only for a period of three years. Once the deputation period is over, the official has to serve two years ‘cooling off’ period in the parent department. Venugopal’s repatriation was ordered on November 26. But three days later, the BBMP came out with another order reinstating him in the post.
Sources said at least 50 repatriated officials were waiting in the wings to return to the Palike with the blessings of their political mentors.
Leader of the Opposition in BBMP, M Nagaraj, termed the repatriations mere eyewash. "If they were to be brought back to the BBMP, why were they repatriated in the first place? You can imagine what kind of political backing these public servants have. The reality is that the babus treat the Palike as a milch cow. They desire to come here only to make money through unfair means," said Nagaraj.