200 transfers behind Punjab minister’s back

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 2

Punjab Local Government Minister Brahm Mohindra’s three week’s absence from the office for medical reasons saw nearly 200 transfers in the department.

The Local Bodies Directorate, in an apparent violation of “rules of business” which specify the powers vested in the CM, minister in-charge and Administrative Secretary regarding various decisions, including transfers, ordered 200 transfers, also allotting additional charge to an official.

This happened between September 7-21 when the minister was recuperating at  a private hospital after surgery. Mohindra, who resumed office on September 27, said he was not aware of any such transfers. Principal Secretary, Local Government, A Venu Prasad, also said he was not aware of any such orders. Principal Secretary Director, Local Bodies, Karnesh Sharma, said the orders mostly pertained to giving additional charge “owing to staff shortage”. Irked, some MLAs are questioning the urgency for such orders.

The minister’s notes are routed to the Director through the Principal Secretary, Local Government. Depending on the rank of the officer, the directorate, while handing over additional charge, has to take orders from the minister incharge or Administrative Secretary.