IAS officers petition Karnataka Chief Secretary over frequent transfers

BENGALURU: Peeved over frequent transfers, a section of IAS officers in the state have petitioned Chief Secretary Subhash Chandra Khuntia seeking his intervention to continue in their posts for at least two years. This, they feel, will allow them to implement the government’s programmes and projects better.
Karnataka has 314 sanctioned posts of IAS officers. But due to a shortage of about 75 officers, some have been given additional charge of other departments, thus increasing their work load. Over this, they are frequently transferred, which affects administration and also their personal lives. Under such conditions, they are unable to work efficiently, the officers said.

The Chief Secretary, however, said the transfers could be for administrative reasons or due to promotions. “I have received the petition and I am looking into it,’’ Khuntia told Express.A senior IAS officer, who did not want to be named, said frequent transfers affect the officials and also the department. “It takes a few months for any IAS officer,  junior or senior, to understand the work and the department. A transfer in the meantime will another few months gone in understanding the working of that department or work,’’ he said. He also pointed out that there are some officers who have worked for more than four years in a particular posting just to implement major projects they had taken up.
His colleague reasoned that transfers are effected irrespective of the political party in power.

“An officer works in the government till retirement, whereas elected representatives can change after elections. If an officer is firm about his work, elected representatives get him/her transferred just to show who is more powerful. Such things should not happen,’’ he said.Another IAS officer, who works in Vidhana Soudha, said they do not even get to avail leave due to work pressure.

“We cannot take leave when we need it. In my case, I have not been able to take leave for many years. Now I almost have about one year leave of accumulated leave,” he said.Speaking to Express, retired IAS officer M K Shankarlinge Gowda said that to work effectively and efficiently, an officer should be given a posting for at least 2-3 years.If the tenure is less, one might not be able to deliver. On the other hand, if the tenure is long, it may lead to vested interests.“In 2-3 years, an IAS officer can get to know the working of a department properly and implement programmes effectively,’’ he said.