In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, a 1984 batch officer Jalaj Shrivastava and Nutan Guha Biswas, a 1983 batch officer, have been transferred from Delhi. Jalaj Shrivastava is posted in the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) as chairman while Nutan Guha Biswas is posted as Principal Secretary to lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung. Sources in the bureaucratic circle say that the transfers are routine. The transfers of both the officers are for four years from the date of assuming charge.
The order was issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday evening. A major reshuffle is expected within a day or two in the Delhi Government as Joint Cadre Authority that looks into the transfer and posting matter, has approved a list of those officials who would be posted outside Delhi and those who have completed their tenure and are keen to join the Delhi Government. It is also noted that after the MHA’s order, some officials have started hectic lobbying for a post in NDMC.
According to MHA’s order, Jalaj Shrivastava has been appointed Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture. The transfer was due after promotion of Shrivastava to the rank of Additional Secretary. Shrivastava was appointed NDMC chairman in August 2013 by the erstwhile Sheila Dikshit Government. Shrivastava had served Delhi Government as Tax Commissioner before he was transferred to Andaman and Nicobar in 2011. The transfer of Shrivastava also puts a question mark of several ongoing projects, including the smart city project of NDMC.
The MHA also transferred Nutan Guha Biswas, who is presently in the cadre, as Additional Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development. Her transfer was also due after empanelment of Additional Secretary rank. Biswas has opted to go on Central deputation after the Arvind Kejriwal Government did not make her Chief Secretary of Delhi. It is noted that the Delhi Government had already given its approval for her posting at the Centre.
It would be pertinent to mention that MHA may release a list of transfers and posts of IAS/IPS within a day or two. The MHA had earlier made it clear that the cadre controlling authority is MHA and its decision would be binding on all. It is learnt that some officials, who have been transferred last year, are reluctant to go outside Delhi.