The South Asian: Unlawful Transfer of an Honest Officer Reversed

July 04, 2006

Unlawful Transfer of an Honest Officer Reversed If people wish, they can force the government to change its decision by using the right to information. Alert citizens in Mumbai’s Chembur area set a unique example by forcing the Government to reverse the transfer orders of an honest official in their area. Sudhir Naik, an Assistant Commissioner in Greater Mumbai Metropolitan Council was transferred to the BMC headquarters.

He had been to the ward only a year ago but had the image of a good officer. He had initiated projects like “Zero garbage drive” to keep the ward clean and the people were very happy with the results. The cleaning staff had begun to perform their duties. He was suddenly transferred out. The decision to remove him from the area after just a year was not acceptable to the local residents. A member of the Chembur Citizens’ forum N Ganeshan talked to an organization working for the right to information in Maharashtra and it was decided to seek information on the transfer of Sudhir Naik. Kewal Semlani of the Rights Group sought details from the BMC over

- Which officer proposed the transfer of Sudhir Naik?

- As per rules, an officer cannot be transferred before three years. What are the reasons for his pre mature transfer? The photo copy of the files involving the transfer were also sought.

- Whether this is a violation of any laws?

But before the beans could spill, Nayak was reinstated in his post in the same ward. This may be the first instance of the power of public prevailing upon the government to stop the transfer of an official who is considered honest, upright and delivering the goods.

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Posted by rights_watch at July 04, 2006 11:37 AM

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