From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Aug 18: In a move aimed at putting an end to arbitrariness in the transfers and the consequent scope for corruption, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar has issued orders making counselling mandatory for effecting transfers of medical officers and other staff in Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Department.
Dr Sudhakar, who also holds the Medical Education portfolio, has in an order issued on Wednesday has directed to make counselling mandatory for transfers of medical officers and other staff in the state health and family welfare department putting a break to arbitrary transfers that were happening round the year through recommendations and other corrupt practices.
This decision is expected to enhance transparency and efficiency in the functioning of the department and improve delivery of healthcare services to citizens preventing arbitrary transfers based on recommendations and lobbying.
How it will be implemented
The Karnataka State Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Medical Officers and other Staff) Act, 2011 provides that all transfers of medical officers and other staff in the health and family welfare department must happen though counselling.
The Act exempts administrative positions from counseling and transfer of such cases has to be brought to the notice of the minister.
“No other transfer proposals should be taken up. In case, if anyone violates the order, all staff concerned will be subjected to strict departmental disciplinary action,’’ Dr Sudhakar has warned in his latest order.
Employees who are battling serious illness or those on the verge of retirement or with less than 2 years of service as well as those who are 40% or more physical handicapped, widows, husband and wife seeking mutual transfers and other such special cases based on humanitarian grounds will be considered for transfer only once in 2 months, the minister said and added that such cases will be recommended accordingly.
The Act regarding transfer has been passed in 2011 and rules also have been framed. The Act has also been amended once in 2017.
“Going forward all transfers will be conducted as per the provisions of the law,’’ the minister said.
“This decision will not only ensure transparency and discipline in transfers of medical officers and other staff but also prevents corruption and arbitrary transfers which negatively impact the functioning of the department and delivery of healthcare services to the people.’’ Dr Sudhakar said in his tweet.
What the rules say
Senior specialists and other specialists, deputy chief medical officer, senior medical officer, general duty medical officer, chief dental health officer, senior dental health officer, dental health officer can be transferred by the Commissioner of the department.
Group B, C and D staff can be transferred by Department Director and the same applies to AYUSH Department.
The rules mandate 3 years, 4 years, 5 years and 7 years mandatory service in one posting for Group A, B, C and D employees respectively.