LDF accuses Congress-led UDF of politically motivated staff transfers; govt rejects it

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress-led UDF government in Kerala on Wednesday rejected the opposition claims of "politically motivated" transfers of government employees, saying these were done in the usual course for administrative convenience.

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sunny Joseph was responding, on behalf of Chief Minister V D Satheesan, to an adjournment notice moved by the opposition LDF to discuss the issue of transfer of government employees, claiming that it was being done without any justification and in violation of the existing rules and practices.

CPI(M) MLA V Joy, one of the legislators who moved the notice, claimed that women, staff about to retire, cancer patients, class 4 employees, etc, were being transferred to far-off places and sought that the House business be adjourned for the day to discuss the issue.

"In the few days since the government came, 207 orders have been issued by 33 departments transferring around 1,952 employees, of which 310 are women, to far-off places," the CPI(M) MLA from Varkala constituency contended and alleged that they were "politically motivated".

He claimed that following the change in government, everything has been overturned, and employees are being transferred in a manner that was unheard of till now.

The CPI(M) MLA alleged that the transfers were being carried out on demand by some government employees' associations, and the bureaucrats who issued the orders, even before the new government came, were appointed close to ministers.

He also alleged that relatives were being appointed as personal staff of ministers.

Joy also claimed that the transfers made by the government have been stayed by the administrative tribunal.

He also claimed that the UDF government "misled the ASHA workers by promising to hike their honorarium to Rs 21,000 right after coming to power, and also the Munambam residents by assuring that their land dispute with the Waqf Board will be resolved in 10 minutes".

Rejecting the opposition claims, Joseph contended that the transfers were being carried out in the usual course and due to retirements, in accordance with a 2017 government order governing the matter.

The minister said there was no need to adjourn the House business to discuss the issue, as the transfers were being carried out for administrative convenience and to increase the efficiency of the government services.

He also said that anyone aggrieved by their transfer can approach the government, which will try to resolve their concerns by considering them sympathetically.

Joseph claimed that it was during the Left rule that government staff were transferred without following any guidelines, and some were allowed to continue in their posts for a decade.

"We don't intend to make you the model to be followed. We want a satisfied civil service, and steps have been taken in that regard," he said.

The minister also said that it was during the LDF rule that action, including suspension from service, was taken against 41 government staff for criticising the then CM and ministers on social media.

In view of the stand taken by Joseph, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan denied permission to the notice moved by the LDF.

Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Pinarayi Vijayan, in his walkout speech, made the same allegations as Joy and demanded that the government reconsider the transfers.

He alleged that the transfers were made for vested interests and would not benefit the public.

"This will lead to power brokers establishing their influence and an increase in corruption. There have already been protests against the transfers," he contended.

Vijayan also claimed that during the Left rule, transfers were carried out as per the norms, transparently and without any corrupt practices. Subsequently, the opposition staged a walkout from the House.