Sonika Kumari, a 2022-batch IAS officer of West Bengal cadre has been transferred to Rajasthan on inter-cadre transfer following orders from Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). Sonika is married to her batchmate Bhaisare Shubham Ashok, who is under training, serving as assistant collector Jhalawar.
Sonika Kumari is native of Bihar while Ashok belongs to Maharshtra.
The inter-cadre transfer story of Sonika and Ashok is no different than Sagar and Ranjeeta Sharma – IPS couple of 2019 batch, now serving in Rajasthan. Sagar was allotted West Bengal cadre while Ranjeeta Sharma was given Rajasthan cadre. After lot of resistance from West Bengal government, Sagar finally got the inter-cadre transfer in 2023 following order from CAT. Sagar is currently posted as deputy commissioner of police (traffic) Jaipur while Ranjeeta Sharma is serving as superintendent of police Dausa.
The legal battle of Sonika Kumari
The cadre transfer was not easy for Sonika who married Ashok on July 3, 2023. It happened after a legal battle with West Bengal government which refused to issue NoC to Sonika for the transfer even after Rajasthan government had sent its consent on July 18, 2023. The West Bengal government argued that the state is reeling under shortage of IAS officers. As against sanctioned cadre strength of 378, the state only has 303 officers. As such they are not agreeable for such inter cadre transfer. However, they have no objection, if the spouse of Sonika – Subham Ashok Bhaisare – joins West Bengal cadre.
However, CAT after hearing the argument delivered decision in about of the IAS couple and department of personnel issued orders regarding inter cadre transfer of Sonika Kumari, who is also a probationer. There have been many cases in which West Bengal government has objected to inter cadre transfer of All India Services officers against the provisions given in the rule book which grants such permissions.
Vivek Shukla is a management graduate who has worked in corporate worked for 20 years and is now pursuing his passion — news.
