The Assam Forest Department has put on hold its earlier decision of transferring 12 officials in the election-bound State.
Joint Secretary to the Assam Government for Environment and Forest in his letter to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest informed about the development.
“…above orders (transfers) are to be kept in abeyance till clearance is received from the Election Commission of India,” the letter stated.
“…the matter is under discussions with Chief Secretary, Assam,” the letter added.
Also read: Assam Forest Department transfers spark controversy
Earlier on February 23, the Assam Forest Department surprised everyone with its fresh list of transfers of 12 officials as the state is bound for elections.
A notification was issued on the transfer of 12 officials of the rank of Divisional Forest Officer.
Notably, some of the officials, who were transferred reportedly had ‘campaigned’ with powerful people in the corridors of power in Dispur for ‘prime postings’.
It was reported that a section of Forest Department officials were back in the phase of ‘negotiations’ with ‘powerful people’ in the corridors of power in Dispur to ensure transfer to ‘lucrative’ positions.
Also read: BJP trying to suppress ‘Joi Aai Axom’, says Priyanka Gandhi in Assam
Earlier, taking a strong note of the Assam government’s order of transferring 12 IPS and 6 APS officers, the Election Commission (EC) decided to keep the transfer and posting of these police officers in abeyance till further orders.
The Commission took the decision following the announcement of the Assembly election dates for four states including Assam and one Union Territory.