DNA THEME: Time for...Team Raje revamp?

The historical Tripura triumph has succeeded in diverting focus from the recent drubbing of BJP in the bypolls of Rajasthan. But still the state government is mulling over major reshuffle both in cabinet and bureaucracy. The changes in administration is likely to lend a strong message to public that the state government is serious about its lapses if any. Reshuffle in local administration and induction of fresh faces in cabinet are believed to be an effective tools in fighting out anti-incumbency among public. In past also, governments have tried to soothe the nerves of agitating public with transfers at local level.

The chief minister Vasundhara Raje is reportedly not happy with the performance of a few ministers. She may drop a couple of ministers ahead of assembly elections and pick fresh faces besides rewarding few by appointment of board chairman. The hottest among them is chairman Housing Board which is now being held by UDH minister Shrichand Kriplani. 

“Kota is not at all represented in the cabinet. There is lot of anger in that region. CM may pick leaders from Hadaoti for the job,” said a BJP leader.

According to sources, there will be a major reshuffle in bureaucracy which is long pending. 

“A large number of collectors will change guards.  The changes will happen on the feedback of public representatives. It will make them (party workers) feel good that their voice are being heard,” said a senior BJP leader.

Ever since the new chief secretary NC Goel has taken over, there have been talks of large scale transfers. Sources say that transfer list of around 40 IAS officers is ready for CM’s approval. First due to bypolls and on account of PM’s visit, it has been withheld. The transfer of around 400 RAS officers will follow suit.

“The list will have mostly names of collectors. MLAs and other influential leaders will try to field officers of their choice at the helm. Collectors and ADMs will be appointed, keeping the elections in mind,” said a senior officer.

Meanwhile, senior officers helming hot seats are approaching CMO and chief secretary opting for a lesser important portfolio, just six months before the elections. They fear that if the government changes, officers may be penalised or sent into cold storage over the notion that the  officer was closer to the BJP government. 

“There are few posts in government which are held only by those officers who are trustworthy of the chief minister. So notwithstanding their talent and disposal, they are replaced immediately after the government changes. So officers on hot seats throughout the tenure requests for a non significant position,” said a senior IAS officer. This is a recent change. The new government reviews key decisions of incumbent government and penalise officers handling hot seats. They sometimes have to undergo imprisonment also in some cases.  

“That factor now haunts officers and they unassumingly requests for weak postings,” said an officer who had suffered this ignominy.

FEAR OF THE ‘UNKNOWN’ FUTURE

Meanwhile, senior officers helming hot seats are approaching CMO and chief secretary opting for a lesser important portfolio, just six months before the elections. They fear that if the government changes, officers may be penalised or sent into cold storage over the notion that the  officer was closer to the BJP government. “There are few posts in government which are held only by those officers who are trustworthy of the chief minister. So notwithstanding their talent and disposal, they are replaced immediately after the government changes. So officers on hot seats throughout the tenure requests for a non significant position,” said a senior IAS officer. This is a recent change.

VOICE OF RAJ

Reshuffling always helps. From the ICS days to IAS now, which is already 70-year-old, reshuffle has been a norm. A new man always has fresh ideas, which he can bring to bay on his new assignment.
S Ahmed, former chief secretary, Rajasthan

It is important to understand what are the considerations behind reshuffle. Sometimes it is done just to give a message. Officers also do not want to stay in limelight during polls.
RC Jain, former president, RAS Association

It shouldn’t be done frequently. There should be a stipulated time for an officer to prove his worth. It is necessary as any new officer will have his style of working so the system will keep on revamping.
Arpit Dugar, academician

Reshuffle helps only when the right person is assigned the right kind of work. The problem is, it takes place on the basis of references. But, the person should have skill to perform it.
Swati Chandak, script writer