Senior IAS officer V. Radha was transferred from her role as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Agriculture Department on Monday, reportedly due to differences with Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde of the NCP in Maharashtra.
Ms. Radha, an IAS officer of the 1994 batch, had recently returned to the state after a deputation at the Centre and was posted to the Agriculture Department in the Maharashtra government on June 24. She was also promoted to ACS from her previous rank of Principal Secretary. This transfer marks the shortest tenure she has held in any department.
The Agriculture Department, which oversees key state schemes for crops like soybeans and cotton, was a point of contention between Radha and Minister Munde. Sources reveal disagreements arose over issues such as the procurement of spray pumps, storage bags for cotton and soybeans, and fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP. Radha and Munde clashed over funding for these fertilizers in one cabinet meeting.
Ms Radha reportedly stated that there were no funds available, leading Munde to suggest reallocating money from the Namo Shetkari Yojana, a scheme that provides financial support to farmers. Although no formal complaint was lodged, Radha was transferred to the General Administration Department (GAD), filling a vacancy left by Nitin Gadre’s recent voluntary retirement.
Vijay Wadettiwar, the Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, commented on the transfer, stating, “Radha was taking a firm stand against corruption within the Agriculture Department. With the Kharif season-ending, she argued that no further purchases were necessary. Munde, however, seemed keen on proceeding with purchases, which Radha opposed, citing potential losses to the exchequer. Her notings on the file reflected her stance against corruption, and those who resist such practices often face transfers.”
According to sources, no other IAS officer was willing to take up the post of Agriculture Secretary, leading to Radha being given an additional charge even after her transfer to GAD.
When asked about the transfer, Radha declined to comment, while Minister Munde denied any involvement, stating, “She is a capable officer and could have performed well, but her promotion to Additional Chief Secretary was a factor. The government has honored her with a better posting.” However, officials noted that several officers at the ACS level have previously served in the Agriculture Department.
Radha, who holds a science degree and an LLB, has a history of challenging corruption. During her tenure as an officer on special duty at the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation in 2007, she exposed a toll scam in Mumbai, leading to her abrupt transfer, allegedly under pressure from senior NCP leaders. She also served as Joint Commissioner at the BMC, where she led a crackdown on corrupt officials in the octroi department from 2006 to 2009 before the government eventually scrapped the octroi.
Radha has held various significant roles, including a stint as Excise Commissioner of Maharashtra, before returning to the Centre. She has served in NITI Aayog and ministries such as Water Supply, Sanitation, and Commerce and Industry. With retirement slated for 2028, she is likely to be empanelled as Secretary to the Government of India and may return to the Centre.
