DIMAPUR, AUGUST 18 (MExN): The Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), the apex tribal body representing the Chakhesang people, has strongly objected to the reported decision of the Nagaland government to transfer or redeploy sanctioned posts from Phek district to the newly created Meluri district.
In a representation addressed to the Chief Secretary, the CPO said it had learnt through “credible and reliable sources” that the government was in the process of transferring or redeploying sanctioned posts, along with incumbent employees, from the establishment of the Deputy Commissioner, Phek, to the newly created Deputy Commissioner, Meluri.
The organisation termed the move a matter of “strongest objection and deep concern,” arguing that the creation and development of Meluri district “must not come at the expense of weakening Phek District.”
The CPO said it respects the government’s prerogative to create new districts and strengthen administrative institutions, but maintained that this should not be done by diminishing the sanctioned strength, institutional capacity and administrative infrastructure of an existing district.
“The Government cannot justify strengthening one district by diminishing the sanctioned strength, institutional capacity, and administrative infrastructure of another,” the organisation stated.
According to the CPO, it has also received information that, apart from the categories already brought to its notice, there have been instances in other departments where sanctioned posts along with incumbent employees have been transferred from Phek district to other districts.
The organisation asserted that transfer and posting of government employees in the normal course of administrative exigencies is within the authority of the government and said it had neither objected to nor questioned such routine transfers.
However, it strongly opposed the transfer or redeployment of sanctioned posts from Phek district. “Employees may be transferred as required by service rules, but the sanctioned posts belonging to Phek District must remain with Phek District,” the CPO said. It demanded the “immediate recall of all orders” involving the transfer or redeployment of sanctioned posts from Phek district to other districts.
The CPO also demanded the creation of additional sanctioned posts for Meluri district independently, “without disturbing the sanctioned strength of Phek District.” The organisation placed on record that the headquarters and administrative interests of Phek district must be defended “by all legitimate and democratic means,” while expressing hope that the government would act with “fairness, equity and administrative prudence.”
The CPO also pointed to existing manpower shortages in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Phek, and administrative sub-divisional offices under the district. It said these establishments were already functioning with inadequate manpower and continued to face persistent staff shortages in several key establishments.
“Any transfer or redeployment of sanctioned posts, along with the incumbent employees, would only aggravate the existing shortage of personnel, adversely affect the efficient functioning of the district administration, and seriously impair the delivery of essential public services to the people of Phek District,” it stated.
