Karnataka: 80% of Mines Dept. officials transferred to ensure transparency, accountability
In a mass transfer exercise effected in the Mines and Geology Department on Monday, the Karnataka government transferred 131 geologists, 23 senior geologists, and six
In a mass transfer exercise effected in the Mines and Geology Department on Monday, the Karnataka government transferred 131 geologists, 23 senior geologists, and six Deputy Directors, many of whom had been working in the same location for more than five years. The officials transferred — 160 in all — constituted 80% of the department’s workforce, a note said. Some of these officials had remained in the same location for as long as 16 years, while a large number had been in their current posts for over six years, including several who had completed eight years and 10 years or more.
The issue was flagged by Department Secretary Rohini Sindhuri during a review meeting earlier this month, following which Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar cleared the transfers. Stating that the transfers were necessary to bring transparency, objectivity, and public accountability, the order said that many of these officials had been working continuously in their home districts or neighbouring districts. “Officials are also serving in the same post for a long time or are facing administrative complaints or complaints from the public.
Such long tenures will only lead to self-interest and will be against the interests of the government,” the order said, adding that the transfers were necessary to break local monopolies and prevent institutional corruption.
The order said that there was a need to restore transparency. A note said that the major step had been taken towards increasing mining revenue, strengthening action against illegal mining, and improving administrative efficiency.
The BriefWire