Hit by graft charges, Karnataka govt plans counselling in excise transfers

Belagavi: Hit by corruption allegations, the state government is proposing to introduce counselling-based transfers of excise inspectors, a key move that can go a long way in reforming this notorious department.

According to sources, Excise Minister R B Timmapur has agreed to transfer inspectors, sub-inspectors, constables, first division assistants and all other Group 'C' staff through counselling.

Sources say Timmapur had no option but to agree after the Federation of Wine Merchants' Association sought his ouster over "rampant" corruption in the excise department. The association had threatened to halt liquor sales on November 20, which did not happen following a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Corruption charges made by the association dented the Congress government's image, and led to speculation that Timmapur could lose his job.

Under the counselling system, the government will notify staff who are eligible for transfers and the places available for them to move. Accordingly, they get to pick their next posting.

With this, Timmapur will effectively forgo his say in these transfers. This will also curtail 'interference' of MLAs in transfers.

The move will require Cabinet approval, a top official in the finance department, which administers excise, told DH.

There are 436 excise inspectors, who supervise distilleries, breweries and wineries and enforce laws.

The Federation of Wine Merchants' Association had complained that supervising officials demand bribes stating that they had to pay huge sums of money for their postings. The proposed counselling-based transfer system aims to address this.

The counselling-based transfer system is followed in the departments of education and health.

Win for revenue dept in KAT

In July this year, the revenue department decided to transfer sub-registrars through counselling, another big move to nix corruption. This was challenged before the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT), which has ruled in favour of the government.

"We have been very assiduously and vigorously in fighting our case legally," Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda told DH.

"Two months ago, KAT said we could go ahead. Then they (sub-registrars) moved the high court where we launched a strong defence. It was sent back to the KAT. After the counselling was held, we went to KAT, which dismissed the petitions and upheld what we had done. Now, we expect them to move the high court again," the minister added.