Following UDF Win, Transfer in Education Department Violating Rules

Thiruvananthapuram: Even before a new government has been formed or a chief minister decided, a controversy has erupted over alleged political interference in administrative functioning, with a Congress-backed service organisation accused of influencing transfers in the General Education Department.

According to reports, the NGO Association— aligned with the Congress-led UDF—has allegedly begun exerting control over governance matters immediately after the election results were announced. Two transfer orders issued by the department reportedly cite requests from the association as the basis for the decisions, raising serious concerns over violations of established norms and rules governing government employee transfers.

The first order, issued on the 5th, involved the transfer of five officials—two junior superintendents, two senior clerks, and one clerk—to key offices including the Legal Cell, the Directorate of General Education, and the Office of the Commissioner for Examinations. Notably, the order references a letter submitted on the 4th—the very day election results were declared—by a state secretariat member of the NGO Association.

A second order, also issued on the same day, transferred six officials from the Higher Secondary Administration wing to various sections. This action was reportedly based on a request from a district-level office bearer of the association in Thiruvananthapuram. Critics argue that such actions blatantly violate service rules and established transfer protocols.

The developments have triggered allegations that UDF-affiliated service organisations are acting beyond their mandate in the immediate aftermath of the election results. Concerns have also been raised about similar interventions in the police force, with claims that certain officers aligned with the Congress are engaging in actions that undermine institutional discipline and professionalism.

With the new government yet to take office, the incident has sparked a broader debate on political overreach and the sanctity of administrative procedures in the state.