A story carried by Eenadu Telugu daily questioning the credentials of new superintendents of police, who were appointed in place of earlier IPS officers in certain districts as per the directions of the Election Commission of India, has evoked strong reaction from the bureaucratic circles.
The story attributes motive to Chief Secretary K S Jawahar Reddy, saying he has sent the panel of officers who are in favour of the ruling party for the post of SPs to the Election Commission of India for appointment in place of earlier SPs.
The chief secretary said the ECI is the final authority for issuing orders.
“The state government can merely suggest the panel of names based on certain parameters such as seniority, experience, etc. to ECI and in no way authorized in finalizing the postings,” he said.
He pointed out that if the panel of officers furnished by the state government is not acceptable to the ECI, the Commission asks for fresh panel.
For instance, in the case of posting of IG, Guntur, the Commission has sought fresh panel of officers in place of earlier panel. Accordingly, the state government has furnished the fresh panel.
“The Commission after considering their ACRs and other parameters will give the posting orders which is binding on the part of the state government,” Reddy said, adding that Eenadu’s audacity in questioning of the selection of the key officers by the EC for conduct of elections sets a dangerous precedent.
It is noted with deep displeasure that Eenadu and Andhrajyothi newspapers and representatives of certain political parties were repeatedly making unsubstantiated and untrue allegations against many IPS officers.
The IPS officers’ association, too, registered its protest with the EC against Eenadu and other papers for questioning their integrity.
“Such stories will demoralise the police force and undermine the selfless service, hard work and sacrifices of entire force,” it said.
The association said the concerned IPS officers would individually be initiating appropriate, civil and criminal action against the wrongdoers.
