Even as the sword of transfer is hanging high over IAS officers, the entire bureaucracy is in a state of confusion in Rajasthan. Most of those who have been exempted from any relocation and continuing with the same portfolio in previous Congress government are finding the change inevitable this time. However, suspense over the timing of transfer list is just killing the enthusiasm of these officers.
“We are just waiting the list to be out. Last time the government allowed us to continue with the same portfolio. We don't think we will be lucky enough this time. So we are waiting for new profile. The suspense is just hampering the work,” said an IAS officer.
Earlier the Bhajan Lal government had executed out a couple of transfer lists with reshuffling of few officers within week's time. This has created a sense of insecurity in some officers. They feel that they will be targeted every time in the transfer and posting it respecting of their calibre.
“If one gets a good portfolio in Congress government, it doesn't mean that the office is affiliated to that party. He should not be penalised in the new government. But what I feel is transfer and postings are happening in a prejudice manner,” said another IAS officer.
This however doesn't seem to be true. There are several important portfolio like finance and personnel, which remained unchanged despite the change of government.
“It shows that government doesn't work on preconceived ideas. Calibre matters. The chief secretary knows the strength of all his team members and he is shuffling them as per merit. Though there are few capable officers who have been transferred to relatively weaker departments. They can be brought back to mainstream in the next transfer list,” said a senior IAS officer.
According to sources, the delay in transfer list is due to the upcoming budget session when the state government will present full budget.
”At this juncture, the finance department cannot be reshuffled. So, a jumbo transfer list is likely after budget is tabled on July 10. Also, collectors are busy tallying the expenses of candidates of Lok Sabha. However, we may expect a trimmed list of IAS transfer before her budget session which starts on July 3,” said an IAS officer.
Prakash Bhandari is a veteran journalist with over 50 years of experience. He has worked with The Times of India for 30 years and contributed to leading publications as well as international news agency AFP.
