CM Devendra Fadnavis asks for action against political recommendations

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis led general administration department (GAD) has directed all state departments to take action, as per service rules, against the employees who mount political pressure on their superiors to get their personal work done. This includes getting favourable transfers as well.  

Sometimes, employees use their relationships with MLAs, MPs or other politicians to get transfers to specific posts, in a city or a zone or to stop their transfers. Alternatively, they are known for using political pressure to get concessions. In such cases, if the employees feel their superiors will not allow or act as per their wishes, they approach the politicians and get their recommendations.

The mentality of putting pressure on superiors to get work done is affecting the administration, said sources. So, as a step to curb political interference in the government administration, the GAD has issued the circulars and asked for action on such defaulting employees.

“We welcome the government’s decision to take action against the employees to try to use political pressure to their work done,” said G.D. Kulthe, general secretary, Government Employees Federation.

However, he adds that Mr Fadnavis should instruct politicians, from at least his own party, that they don’t issue such recommendation letters or make phone calls to any superior regarding a government employee’s work.

“Decisions about transfers and other things should be taken on the basis of merit only,” said Mr Kulthe.

If some employees enjoy concessions or get transfers to a particular post using political pressure, it forms a wrong perception. Hence, the circular was issues, said sources.