Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, June 19
Himachal Pradesh’s Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Minister Chander Kumar has raised serious concerns over what he described as a “transfer mafia” operating across the state, particularly in the education and health departments. While addressing reporters during a press conference in Shimla, Chander Kumar said that the transfer and adjustment process had become a widespread practice, with some party workers turning it into a profession, tarnishing the government’s image. “The education department has become a Pandora’s box of transfers,” he said, urging Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to step in and impose control.
Responding to a social media post by his son Neeraj Bharti about a possible resignation, the Agriculture Minister clarified that he is not stepping down. He said he has urged the Chief Minister to take the matter seriously and ensure appropriate action is taken.
He revealed that the transfer issues had surfaced in his own constituency, prompting discontent from party leader Neeraj Bharti. Bharti reportedly expressed frustration and even considered resigning over the issue. However, Kumar said the matter was resolved amicably after discussions with the Chief Minister.
“Some party workers don’t talk about work but only come with transfer and adjustment demands,” he added. He also criticised the lack of progress on a consistent transfer policy, stating that while the idea has been discussed repeatedly, it has never materialised. Separately, the minister also criticised the central government’s disaster relief efforts, calling the ₹2,006 crore aid provided for the 2023 natural disaster “a drop in the ocean” compared to the actual estimated damage.
