MIDDLE
Transferring Blame

Possibly nothing presents moreproblems than mana-ging staff transfers in the government. Working as educationsecretary in Rajasthan in the seventies, this was experienced most acutely inthe transfer of lecturers in government colleges. Given to orderly operations, Ifavoured these transfers to be confined to the beginning of the academic yearand no one was shifted against his or her will, unless found wanting on thestrength of an inquiry, not just allegations. All this was possible with thestrong support of the minister-in-charge. The minister asked me onceorally to transfer a particular commerce lecturer. “But why, sir? And thatalso in early January. We haven’t anything against the man.�“You know I resist such things. But the chief minister wants it,�said the minister. “How do we justify it, sir? What can I tell theaggrieved party? He’s bound to remonstrate.� “That’syour business. I’m sorry, this has to be done.� I sent word, askingthe lecturer to see me. The man, an elderly fellow, arrived at my place.“I’m afraid, you’ve to move. Which place would you like togo?� “Sir, I know why I’m being transferred. The CM’sprivate secretary wants me to vacate the house I’m renting,� was hisquick response. “You’re sure of that,� I asked, surprised byhis reply. “Absolutely sure, sir.� “All right. See me tomorrowmorning in office.�After the man left, I drove to theminister’s bungalow. “Sir, we run an education department, not ahouse-eviction department. We can’t be a party to this transfer.�“If you’re so exercised, go, talk to the chief minister yourself.There’s little I can do,� said the minister. Straightaway I drove tothe CM’s residence. The response of his PA was, “CM is still on thefirst floor. Why don’t you go up?�The CM, amild-mannered, genial gentleman, was having a head massage. Looking up he asked,“What brings you here?� “Sir, I’m extremely sorry todisturb you like this on a Sunday. My minister tells me you want a commercelecturer in Alwar transferred forthwith.� “What! I don’t knowany commerce lecturer. I’ve not asked for any transfer.� Ilater learnt that the CM’s private secretary on his own had told theminister that the CM wanted it. The proposal was dropped; of course, it did earnme the permanent hostility of the CM’s private secretary.