CHENNAI: The State Highways department has charged nearly 50 employees, including junior engineers, assistant engineers and supervisors, with disobedience to the transfer order issued by the department. Employees have expressed dissent against this move, claiming that the transfer orders were inconsiderate to the employees who had to move with their families.
“Transfer orders were issued at the fag-end of May when school admissions had already begun,” said a junior engineer who didn’t want to be named. The transfer orders are supposed be issued during April and May to employees who have served at a specific location or wing for three years. As the orders were issued late into summer, employees, particularly women, found it hard to relocate.
“The list of people who complete three years would be available months ahead of time. Had the department issued the order by the beginning of April, it would have found been much easier,” said A Venkatachalam, president of the State Highways Employees Association. Transfer may require moving to remote or hilly places where parents have to find schools for children.Many engineers had sought review of their transfer orders. The authorities did not react immediately. Later, 50 employees were asked to move immediately to other portfolios, but they refused, he said.