BANGALORE: Frequent mass transfers of police officials as well as political interference in the process have long been the bane of the force. But there’s been a dramatic drop in transfers in recent times — just 300 from August 2009 to date, as compared to 1,700 from May 30, 2008 to August 2009.
This is largely due to measures taken by the Police Establishment Board (PEB), which also ensured a minimum tenure of two years for police officers at the field level.
Every May, Vidhana Soudha usually buzzes with news about transfers. Politicians lobby with ministers to ensure choice postings for their men. It is also a lucrative time with whispers of money changing hands. However, the constitution of the PEB has put an end to all this.
When TOI filed an application under the Right to Information Act, the police department revealed that, so far, the PEB — headed by the DG&IGP and comprising four members — DG (Home Guards), DG (CID), DG (Police Housing Corporation) and ADGP (Administration) — has transferred only 309 officers of and below the rank of deputy superintendent of police .
The total transfer of 2,052 in 23 months, includes those effected by the Board. Asked about political interference in PEB functioning, the DG&IGP’s office said: “There is no political interference in the PEB functioning.’’
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