BJP targets Mehbooba-led govt over transfers

The BJP, which shares power with the PDP in Jammu and Kashmir, today targeted the state government over transfers, alleging that "norms" are not being followed and officers of Kashmir Valley are given postings of their preference.
The BJP's criticism of the government headed by PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti once again brings to the fore the rift between the coalition partners over various issues ever since the formation of the government in 2015.
"Persons having political patronage get the prize posting at their choicest places and officers belonging to Jammu region, particularly of the minority (Hindu) community, suffer the most, because of the arbitrary policy pursued by the highest authority in the government," alleged state BJP spokesman Virender Gupta in a statement here.

"The officers of Kashmir valley are given posting at their preferred positions in districts, 3-4 times during their service, without giving any consideration to their involvement in corruption cases pending against them," he alleged.
He said transfers of the officers of higher ranks, without taking the Cabinet into confidence, "spoils the mutual faith and trust among the two political partners of the government and tells upon the harmonious relationship and the coordination between them."
He was reacting to a media report which said that the transfer policy framed in 2010 by a government order was being frequently flouted.

The media report said that between January 1 and September 29, 346 transfers have been executed, involving 41 IAS and 305 KAS officers.

"It is surprising that while making those transfers, the general norm of seeking the approval of the Cabinet is not followed. These transfers were in addition to 45 transfers of the officers made with the approval of the state cabinet," Gupta said.
He said a "strong resentment" is brewing among the majority of IAS, IPS and KAS officers because of the present transfer policy of the government.
The BJP leader said the government should adhere to the norms and the established procedures for effecting the transfers to "restore the shattered trust and faith" of the employees and ensure justice to the officers belonging to the Jammu region.