Agartala: In a significant administrative reshuffle, the Tripura government has transferred eight senior officials, including IAS and TCS officers. While the transfer order was signed on May 27, it was only uploaded to the state government portal on Thursday afternoon.
The most talked-about move is the removal of Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, from his additional charge as Commissioner of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), barely a month after he took over.
Sources suggest that Dr. Kumar’s departure may have less to do with administrative rotation and more to do with his firm stance against financial irregularities within the AMC.
Anti-Corruption Drive Sparks Controversy
Dr. Kumar reportedly halted the processing of several files linked to alleged misuse of AMC funds and initiated preliminary inquiries into financial and procedural discrepancies. His actions, while seen by many as a step toward transparency, allegedly upset several AMC councillors. Political observers note that this friction may have influenced the decision to relieve him of the position, with both the Chief Secretary and Chief Minister reportedly backing the move.
Key Transfers and Appointments
The reshuffle includes the following changes–
K. Shashi Kumar, IFS, currently CCF (Territorial) and Secretary, Science, Technology & Environment Department, is given additional charge as Secretary, Tribal Welfare (including TRP & PTG). He is relieved from Science & Technology.
Brijesh Pandey, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer and Secretary, Tribal Welfare, is now relieved of Tribal Welfare duties.
Chaitanya Murti, IFS, PCCF, is given additional responsibility as Principal Secretary, Science, Technology & Environment.
Dilip Kumar Chakma, IAS, DM & Collector, Unakoti, is posted as the new AMC Commissioner, replacing Dr. Vishal Kumar.
Shri Tamal Majumdar, IAS, Additional Secretary, Revenue and GA (AR), is now posted as DM & Collector, Unakoti.
Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, DM & Collector of West Tripura, remains in that post but is relieved from the AMC Commissioner role.
Shri Subrata Datta, TCS Gr-I, Sr. Dy. Collector, West Tripura, is transferred as Deputy Secretary, Revenue Department.
Shri Rupon Das, TCS Gr-I, Additional SDM, Sonamura, is also appointed as Deputy Secretary, Revenue Department.
Political Underpinnings Behind a “Routine” Reshuffle?
While the official line describes the reshuffle as being “in the interest of public service,” the circumstances around Dr. Vishal Kumar’s transfer are fueling speculation about political interference in anti-corruption drives. Civil society groups and transparency advocates are likely to monitor developments in the AMC closely, especially regarding the irregularities flagged during Dr. Kumar’s brief tenure.
