Babus under political heat

It could be the stress of investigating high-profile cases or simply overwork, but the Enforcement Directorate (ED) seems to be losing sleuths at a rather alarming pace. The directorate is saddled with probing the Hasan Ali money laundering case and the 2G spectrum case, besides the Indian Premier League, Commonwealth Games and a recent `400-crore bank fraud. Sources say that at least 10 ED officials have sought voluntary retirement in the past three months. Apparently, last month alone six officials put in their papers.
According to observers, not all the babus seeking premature retirement are quitting for better opportunities in the private sector. Clearly, handling sensitive investigations also brings intense pressures of the political kind, and even seasoned sleuths may find it difficult to strike a balance. Opting out, then, seems a rather inviting option, especially when there is no sign of the workload decreasing. But perhaps this exodus may trigger the long-delayed recruitment process at the directorate. Apparently there are 1,400 new posts that need to be filled.

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Transfer logjam
What should have been an ordinary inter-state transfer of two Indian Administrative Service officers has caused a stand-off between the Union home ministry and the government of Arunachal Pradesh. The officers, V.K. Dev and Pawan K. Sain, were posted to Goa by the Union home ministry six months ago, but they have not taken up their new assignments simply because the Arunachal government has refused to relieve them of their present duties.
Babu observers note that the state government’s attitude is surprising, since both officials belong to the same AGMUT (Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories) cadre and babu transfers between Goa and Arunachal are routine affairs. Interestingly, the state government has so far not explained why it has taken this stand. Meanwhile, the ministry of home affairs babus have been sending reminders to the state government to honour the transfer order. How long will this seemingly unnecessary stand-off continue is anybody’s guess.