New Delhi: Recent Remarks by Minister Highlight CPWD’s Transfer Practices
Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has shed light on the long-standing practices of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), where many officials have managed to hold onto their positions for decades. During a recent celebration for the CPWD’s foundation day, he revealed that the introduction of a transparent transfer policy has stirred both interest and opposition among influential figures in the city.
Khattar noted, “After rolling out a transparent transfer policy, I was approached by various individuals, including some powerful people, looking to reverse transfer orders.” He emphasized the peculiar phenomenon of certain employees enjoying remarkably long tenures, with some not having been transferred for 20 to 30 years. Notably, he mentioned that when transfer notices were issued, numerous influential individuals reached out to him, suggesting that they had strong relationships with these long-standing employees.
The minister pointed out that this situation has created a convenient network that many in the city are hesitant to disrupt. He urged CPWD personnel to focus on what is beneficial not just for themselves but for the entire community, highlighting the importance of public service.
Reflecting on his previous role as Chief Minister of Haryana, Khattar recalled the introduction of a similar transfer policy for teachers in 2015. He shared a memory from the era of former Chief Minister Chaudhary Bansi Lal, where the education minister’s office would be bustling with requests for transfers during specific periods.
He mentioned the resistance to establishing a transfer policy at that time, as some feared it might lead to discontent among employees who relied on political connections for their positions. Khattar affirmed that after implementing the transfer policy, overall satisfaction increased among teachers, noting that a recent survey indicated 93% approval among them.
In closing, he encouraged all CPWD workers to embrace the changes and strive for the greater good as they navigate their careers.
