PANAJI
In a move to rein in errant police personnel defying transfer orders, Goa Police have issued a strict directive enforcing compliance with a warning that salaries will only be drawn at the new place of posting.
Despite three major reshuffles last year, many personnel including sub-inspectors-rank have continued to report to their previous postings, often within the same sub-division.
A prime example is the Panaji-Old Goa-Agassaim sub-division, where nearly a dozen personnel have been swapping posts within the same jurisdiction, effectively nullifying the intent of their transfers.
The situation is also prevalent at Police Headquarters, Goa Reserve Police in Altinho, wherein over 30 personnel shuttled between the Anti-Terrorism Squad, Special Branch, Security Unit, State Police Control Room and Motor Transport Section.
Now, the department is cracking the whip. Director General of Police Alok Kumar has clarified that transfer orders are non-negotiable. “This is not allowed,” he categorically stated, replying to The Goan’s question on the non-compliance. “The concerned (transferred) personnel have to get orders from the HQ to retain his/her outgoing posting. No other order will be accepted.”
Sources told The Goan that the defiance of transfers persists despite the reshuffle of 1,384 personnel in the last year, covering ranks from constable to sub-inspectors. With the system prevailing even before, many personnel/officials have remained at their previous postings. The latest wireless message, issued by SP (PHQ) Nelson Albuquerque, confirms non-compliance.
Kumar explained that some were not relieved owing to major events such as the International Film Festival of India, the Exposition of St Francis Xavier and year-end festivities. However, he added, this no longer holds. “They have been relieved,” the DGP said, citing the order signed by Albuquerque.
“…Instructions to report to their new place of posting immediately. Their next salary for the month of February will be drawn at their next place of posting. Even those on any kind of leave stand relieved,” reads the wireless message, copy of which is available with The Goan.
This order will also facilitate further transfers of personnel who have been stationed at the same police station or unit for five years or more.
On February 21, 2024, a total of 264 personnel including 4 sub-inspectors, 61 assistant sub-inspectors and others were transferred. This was followed by a larger reshuffle of 416 personnel on July 11, 2024 followed by another order on September 27, 2024 wherein 704 personnel including 36 sub-inspectors, 23 assistant sub-inspectors, 68 constables, 567 constables, 3 assistant sub-inspectors (wireless messages), 4 constables (RTO), one constable (wireless messages) and two constables (armourer) were transferred.
Of the most recent mass transfer, DGP confirmed that fewer than 100 were left to be relieved.
