The recent massive shake up in Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) has paved way for discontent and unrest among the employees. In fact, dust over the transfers has not settled though transfers were made on April 17. The employees received transfer letters on day following it.
Though the employees have joined at their locations, the VMC corridors are still abuzz with animated discussions and hush-hush talks over the issue. The employees grumble that seniority has been “thrown to winds under the pretext of capabilities”. While about four employees have dashed off petitions to Municipal Commissioner G.S. Pandadas, some more are there in pipeline. They, sources say, has pointed out the injustice meted out to them. Due procedures were not followed in transfer of clerks, superintendents and officers.
The employees allege that some higher ups used the Commissioner’s orders to suit their interests. The Commissioner was kept in dark about the seniority and sincerity, performance and experience; completion of three years service in their post. They cite umpteen examples to buttress their arguments. If work and capabilities were to be considered, they say, Anasuya, who worked as Assistant Commissioner (Revenue)-I stood first in revenue collection. She hasn’t completed even three years as AC(R).
They, in the same breath, point out that Nagakumari, who worked as AC (R)-III, was facing charges like misappropriation related to transfer of title deeds etc. But, she has been transferred and posted as AC(R)-II. She has completed three years service also as AC(R). And, Sambasiva Rao, who worked as Manager, was posted as AC(R)-III “though he has no experience”. Above all, the employees, who were involved in ‘transfers process’, have “managed” to get a posting Circle-III, which is considered to be a golden goose, they point out.
The employees, on condition of anonymity, say that “money changed hands” in the transfer process. The higher ups did not appraise the real picture to the Commissioner. The good intention of streamlining the administration has been cunningly used for vested interests, the employees feel.
