B Ashok transferred following leak of KERA news; Tinku Biswal appointed as new Agriculture Principal Secretary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr. B. Ashok has been transferred from his role as Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department amid controversy over reports claiming that Rs 2,365.48 crore sanctioned by the World Bank under the KERA project for agricultural reforms was allegedly diverted. He will continue to serve as Vice-Chancellor of the Agricultural University. Tinku Biswal, recently returned from leave, has been appointed as the new Principal Secretary of Agriculture.

Dr. Ashok has now been named Chairman and Managing Director of the Kerala Transport Development Finance Corporation (KTDFC), a post typically reserved for relatively junior IAS officers. The position was previously held by P. B. Nooh, who has been appointed Managing Director of the Water Authority.

Sources suggest that Dr. Ashok may challenge the transfer in court, noting that his new post is not a cadre position. Previously, when he was shifted from the Agriculture Department to serve as Ombudsman in the Local Self-Government Department, he had approached the Central Administrative Tribunal, which quashed the transfer and allowed him to continue in his original role.

The latest controversy erupted after reports claimed that funds intended for farmers under the KERA project were misused. Following the news leak, the Chief Minister’s Office ordered an inquiry, sparking political debate, and soon after, Dr. Ashok was removed from his Secretariat post.