Customary practice ahead of every General Election.
In the lead-up to the impending general elections, a significant reshuffling is set to unfold within various government departments. As per the directives of the Election Commission (EC), officers who have served in a single post for over three years will be subject to transfers. This customary practice is implemented prior to every general election.
The focus of these transfers will predominantly be on officers holding key positions, including Tehsildar, Police Inspector, DSP, and Sub-Collector roles directly associated with the election process. Additionally, the position of Collectors will also witness changes as part of this transition. Recent developments indicate a notable influx of transfers, particularly within the Visakha district. A series of transfers have already occurred, affecting officers at the Deputy Collector level, and more movements are anticipated among DSP-level officers.
EC guidelines dictate that those who have served continuously in the same location for three years within the past four years must undergo transfers. In the context of Visakha district, all Tahsildar cadre officers in the Revenue Department are eligible for transfers. This includes 11 Tahsildars, along with an additional 17 serving in special units such as the Collectorate, KRRC (Koneru Ranga Rao Reforms Committee), land acquisition, and other specialized departments. Notably, two Tehsildars, stationed in Gajuwaka and Maharanipeta, are exempt from immediate transfers, having served for less than a year in Visakhapatnam. The remaining 15 are poised for transfers to the joint districts of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. To replace them, 15 new Tehsildars are expected to be appointed to Visakhapatnam from their respective districts.
The final voter lists are scheduled for publication on January 22. Once released, the ban on transfers will be lifted, allowing for the anticipated reshuffling to take place until the end of the month. Notably, seven Sub-Collectors serving as Voter Registration Officers and Returning Officers for the district’s seven constituencies are unlikely to face position changes due to their recent arrivals.
