By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 30 May: Sources have indicated that several important transfers in Uttarakhand are expected, particularly in the districts. The transfers are likely to affect several District Magistrates as well as CDOs. Sources have claimed that the state government has reportedly completed its groundwork for the transfers in this regard. The previous transfer list did not include many district level reshuffles, primarily due to the ongoing Char Dham Yatra. It was widely anticipated that significant changes would take place once the pilgrimage concluded smoothly.
Haridwar district is currently abuzz with speculation regarding an imminent change, as the current DM is under a scanner now for his alleged role in Land Purchase scam.
Sources claim that an experienced officer from a major hill district is likely to be posted there, though other options are also being considered. Similarly, another hill district in the Garhwal division is expected to see a change, while districts in the Kumaon division that have not seen transfers for a long time might also be included in the list.
The state government is reportedly working on a plan for DM postings, aiming to prioritise IAS officers who have not yet had a district posting. This would also facilitate the transfer of officers who have been stationed in the same district for an extended period. Meanwhile, Dehradun DM Savin Bansal has already reached the Secretary level and therefore despite being a highly popular and dynamic officer is likely to be shifted soon to the Secretariat as a Secretary.
Sources further claim that Nainital district has also been under discussion for quite some time regarding DM changes. Apart from district-level transfers, some officers at the Secretariat who have been handling middle level responsibilities for a long time might be assigned more significant portfolios. Conversely, certain officers currently managing multiple responsibilities may see some of their departments reassigned to those expected to return to the Secretariat from district postings.
Meanwhile, discussions are reportedly also ongoing regarding an extension for 2005-batch IAS officer Hari Chandra Semwal at the Secretariat. Semwal is set to retire on 31 May. The Modi Government usually does not favour extensions in the state and therefore it would be interesting to see, if Semwal gets his extension as tomorrow is the last working day for him. Sources claim that the possibility of extension may not be very high but he may get a plum post-retirement post as he is considered to be a close confidante of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He is currently holding charge as Excise Commissioner, Food Commissioner, and Secretary, Food Supply.
Additionally, IRS officer Jitendra Sonkar, who has been on deputation in Uttarakhand for a long time handling various departmental responsibilities, has been recalled by the Central Government to his parent department. The Department of Personnel and Training has already issued a letter ending his deputation. Soon, he will return to his original department, vacating the positions of Additional Secretary, Planning, and Youth Welfare Department.
Some Additional Secretary level transfers are also under consideration according to the sources.
