J&K Chief Secy ‘steps down’ over transfers, differences with govt

On Friday, Khanday had asked the government to delay the meet by a day, citing death of his relative. But the cabinet went ahead with the meet and ordered massive transfers in the state administration.

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On Friday, Khanday had asked the government to delay the meet by a day, citing death of his relative. But

The sources said that Khanday, who was to retire on November 30, was not happy with the transfers on the “whims of the ministers”. At the cabinet meet, in Khanday’s absence, a junior officer was appointed as Director Agriculture by the government. Khanday was also said to be unhappy with it.

Sources said at an earlier cabinet meeting, Khanday had told a minister that they should hire a stenographer instead of Chief Secretary. “He (stenographer) can write your dictations faster,” sources quoted him as saying to the cabinet. “He was unhappy over the arbitrary transfers and posting of junior officers to important positions they were not competent to handle.”

Sources said the differences between the cabinet ministers of PDP and BJP over transfers have resulted in frequent reshuffles.

The J-K government is yet to take a call on Khanday’s decision. J-K government spokesperson and Education Minister Nayeem Akhtar said that he has “no idea” about the resignation. “You better ask him,” said Akhtar.