Frequent IAS transfers trigger murmurs in bureaucratic circle in Tamil Nadu
In the latest shakeup, as many as 38 IAS officers, many of them heading crucial departments, were transferred on Sunday
Tamil Nadu Secretariat
CHENNAI: The massive reshuffle in the State machinery on Sunday seems to have roiled the bureaucracy in Tamil Nadu, with many complaining about frequent transfers while several others highlighted the disruptions in the smooth functioning of the administrative apparatus.
In the latest shakeup, as many as 38 IAS officers, many of them heading crucial departments, were transferred on Sunday.
These include officers with Energy, PWD, School Education, Health, Water Resources Department, Forest and Environment, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Tourism, and Animal Husbandry departments.
Pointing out how some of these officers were handling their departments for only four to seven months, S Peter Anthonysamy, former president of the Tamil Nadu Secretariat Association, noted that it would take two to three months for an official to settle in the new post by studying files and reviewing projects and schemes.
“The general understanding is that officers are allowed to serve in a post for a meaningful stint of two to three years. But now, entire departments must change pace to meet the requirements of the new secretary,” said a senior officer.
The person also questioned the logic behind transferring the same official back to the same post within a few months.
“There is no idea as to what went wrong and why such transfers,” the officer added.
The bureaucratic circle in the State feel that it is not over, with another set of transfers likely before March 2026 due to the impending Assembly elections.
Interestingly, sources said a few officers who are wary of the political drama that is expected to unfold ahead of the Assembly polls have asked for lighter posts or deputations to Delhi to avoid getting caught in the middle.
“Frequent transfers not only affect the administration but also send a message of uncertainty to the subordinates who execute projects and schemes at the grassroot level,” added Anthonysamy.
Other than junior officials, this also has a bearing on the public because new petitions and grievances have to be submitted to the new officers, he said.
MANY PREFER STAYING AWAY
A few officers who are wary of the political drama that are expected to unfold ahead of the Assembly polls in 2026 have asked for lighter posts or deputations to Delhi to avoid getting caught in the middle
