ALAPPUZHA: John V Samuel was removed as Alappuzha District Collector and replaced by Alex Varghese who was the Director of Urban Affairs.

The order was issued at 10:30 pm on Thursday. Alex Varghese took charge at 10am yesterday. An order was issued yesterday appointing John V. Samuel as director of urban affairs. It is hinted that John Samuel's change was due to the fact that officials of the Chief Electoral Office had to wait for hours to meet the Collector and the differences with the Joint Council, a pro-CPI service organisation.

Alex Varghese is the seventh collector of Alappuzha in two years. Alex Varghese is a 2017 batch IAS officer from Kollam Kundara. He has held the positions of Registrar of Cooperatives and Amrit Mission Director. He was the chief engineer of the irrigation department. Alex Varghese has represented Kerala in the Mullaperiyar High Power Committee. Wife: Rekha Alex (Water Authority Executive Engineer), Children: Rohit Varghese Alex (Tata Motors, Territorial Manager), Mary Ann Alex (Medical MD Student), Rupal (Xth Class Student).

Behind the change of John Samuel

It is indicated that John V. Samuel's change is due to the fact that the officers of the Chief Electoral Office had to wait for hours to see the Collector and the Electoral Officer had to seek an explanation. It was also controversial that the necessary arrangements were not made for the meeting held in the Collectorate in connection with the election.

Some department heads who came from the capital had issues with the Collector in connection with the organization of the Navakerala Sadas.

It is also indicated that the Joint Council, a CPI service organization, had a difference of opinion with John Samuel regarding the transfer of employees in the Collectorate.

Rajamanikyam in charge of Amrit Mission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: LSG Department Principal Director MG Rajamanikyam has been given full charge of Amrit Mission Director.