BJP legislators in Rajasthan are currently in a perplexing situation. The hesitation to allow transfers has created unrest in the market. In this scenario, government employees have started lobbying with legislators to influence their transfers.
However, legislators are troubled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directive, which advised them to avoid transfers against their desires. Now, legislators are in a dilemma, as they cannot ignore the Prime Minister’s instructions nor endure the displeasure of party workers.
In reality, there are approximately 1 million government employees in various departments of the state. The largest number belongs to the third category, teachers, who have been waiting for transfers for a long time.
During Congress rule, transfers of third-category teachers were banned for a full five years. Now, all employee organizations are demanding the removal of the ban on transfers, especially for third-category teachers, along with transfers in other departments.
During a dialogue with BJP legislators in Jaipur last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the troubles faced by legislators due to transfer desires. He emphasized not paying attention to who holds the authority and where it is applied. He also offered advice on avoiding politics related to transfers.
He stated that transfers begin as soon as the government changes, but he refrains from it, and advised others to do the same. He pointed out that officers do not belong to any party; their job is to formulate policies, and it is the responsibility of officials to implement them. Referring to Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, he recounted an incident when he, as the party’s general secretary, was approached with a bag full of transfer desires, and he made it clear that it was not in his control. The Prime Minister also advised treating officials with respect.
It is believed that the Election Commission’s code of conduct will be implemented next month regarding the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In this situation, transfers may not take place until May. While legislators are demanding a temporary lift on the ban on transfers, it is speculated that the ban on transfers may be lifted this month. However, the ban on transfers is expected to be removed for a very short duration.
Gajendra Singh Rathore, the unified state president of the All Rajasthan State Employees’ Joint Federation, said that the ban on transfers should be lifted. Transfers for third-category teachers must happen. He suggested removing the desired system from transfers and creating a transfer policy.
Rathore also mentioned that every government talks about transfer policies when it comes to power, but they do not implement them. The reason is that their intention to implement the policy is not clear.