Tension between Government and IAS officers over recent transfers; B Ashok moved to Sainik Welfare; MR Ajithkumar to continue in Beverages

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Principal Secretary Dr B Ashok, who won a favorable verdict from the Central Administrative Tribunal against the government's action on the transfer and appointment of IAS officers, has been transferred from the Agriculture Department. He has been appointed to the Department of Sainik Welfare, which is less important. He also has the additional charge of the Youth Affairs Department.

A board headed by the Chief Secretary was recommending that the government transfer Ashok, who has been in the Agriculture Department for three and a half years. The order was issued in a hurry before the election code of conduct came into effect.

Based on the CAT order that only IAS officers should be appointed in cadre posts, ADGP MR Ajithkumar was also transferred from the post of Excise Commissioner. The charge was given instead to IPS officer J Kishore Kumar, Additional Excise Commissioner (Administration). Ajithkumar will continue as the Chairman of Beverages Corporation.

Tinku Biswal, Principal Secretary, Local Self Government Department (LSGD), who is on leave, has been given the additional charge of the Agriculture Department. Till Tinku Biswal returns from leave, Bishwanath Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, will hold the charge of the Agriculture Department.

The CAT had ordered that a two-year tenure be ensured in a post and that the recommendation of the Civil Service Board be required for any transfer. The tribunal had earlier quashed Ashok's three transfers without following the rules.

Ashok was first transferred as the Chairman of the Local Self Government Department Reforms Commission, then as the Chairman of the Transport Development Finance Corporation, and then as the Principal Secretary, Personnel and Administrative Reforms. The tribunal quashed all three transfers without following the rules, which was a setback for the government.

Contempt of Court Petition

The IAS Association will approach the court on Monday against the government, stating that it is contempt of court for giving the Excise Commissioner's post again to an IPS officer. This is because it is against the CAT order. The tax department's issuance of the order, when the Chief Secretary is responsible for implementing the CAT order, will also be questioned.

B Ashok was transferred after he approached the CAT and obtained an order stating that the Civil Service Board's recommendation is necessary for the transfer and appointment of IAS officers and that the government cannot toss them around as it sees fit.