For a tough stance on the ongoing transfers of Gram Rozgar Sahayaks across the state, Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a strong and definite verdict. The court has granted an immediate stay on the transfer orders and asked the Principal Secretary of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department to provide a response which has to be accompanied by a personal affidavit.
The High Court also asked doubts regarding the policy of transfers, and the process adopted by the state government in changing the Gram Rozgar Sahayaks’ places. In seeking clarification on the matter as a whole, the court has issued a “White Paper” to the government.
The court had raised queries about the underlying reason and manner of transferring the Gram Rozgar Sahayaks during the court hearing.
The petitioner’s lawyer contended that the position of Gram Rozgar Sahayak is local in nature, and contractual which is classified under non-transfer category. Thus the transfer of an employee from one work site to another would allegedly be in conflict with the rules that apply.
But the state government has stated that the post is transferable in terms of current government rules in administration and the transfers are being conducted based on the current government rules.
On hearing the arguments on both sides, the HC gave a stay on transfer orders issued by Gram Rozgar Sahayaks. The court had emphasized that further consideration to the case will be given after the Principal Secretary of the Board of Study submits the answer and the Government presents the required White Paper on the topic.
The court’s decision has been welcomed by Gram Rozgar Sahayaks in Madhya Pradesh whose transfers had been sought to be cancelled.The court order has brought some respite to the Gram Rozgar Sahayaks of Madhya Pradesh, who had their status changed from ‘awaiting transfer’ to ‘cancelled’. The issue will now be hinged on detailed reply and clarity by the government on the policy and procedure related to such transfers.