Transfer demand gets them notice

MUMBAI, July 9: Approaching newly appointed Irrigation Minister Eknath Khadse proved costly for more than 100 senior officials as they foun...

MUMBAI, July 9: Approaching newly appointed Irrigation Minister Eknath Khadse proved costly for more than 100 senior officials as they found disciplinary proceedings being ordered against them for violating conduct rules.

8220;After I took over the reins of the department on July 4, a record number of 100 engineers 8212; ranging from junior engineer to chief engineer 8212; approached me through one or the other politician seeking postings of their choice. I regard approaching a cabinet member through politicians as not only improper but also a breach of discipline,8221; Khadse told The Indian Express.

Khadse directed the Irrigation Secretary to take action against all these officials under the Maharashtra Civil Service Conduct and Discipline Rules. 8220;I have asked the secretary to serve a show cause notice to the erring officials and seek an explanation from them within eight days,8221; Khadse pointed out.

Stating that under the existing rules, resorting to political pressure amounted to violation of discipline, Khadse said in the past five days he was in his office, the only letters he had read concerned transfers and postings. 8220;Instead of concentrating on developmental

Notice instead of transfer projects, I was tied up with such letters. I thought it necessary to stop this trend immediately and therefore, I have asked the department to launch a clean-up drive and take stern action against erring officials under the provisions of law,8221; he added.

Replying to a question, Khadse said his action was not unilateral as he had made it clear to legislators and politicians that he would initiate disciplinary action against such engineers who brought political pressure to bear on him.

When asked if he would review the decisions taken by his predecessor and controversial minister Mahadev Shivankar, who has now been entrusted with the finance portfolio, Khadse said though he was empowered to take such a decision, he would refrain from doing so.

Story continues below this ad

In his first meeting with top officials of his department, Khadse had directed them not to transfer any official who was yet to complete his three-year tenure at one place.

Secondly, over-ruling of the tenure norm should be reserved for exceptional cases, particularly for medical reasons. In the case of promotions too, executive engineers would be promoted to the next cadre only if they had worked in all sections, it was clarified.

8220;Our rules of business are very clear. I do not feel that transfers and postings of officials of the rank of junior and deputy engineer should be referred to the minister for approval. These should be taken up by the chief engineer of the concerned division,8221; he said.Khadse said he had also ordered a review of the estimates of major projects prepared by the department.