Madhya Pradesh May Change Collectors In Over 10 Districts

Discussion is underway in Madhya Pradesh about a major administrative reshuffle, with collectors likely to be changed in more than 10 districts. The names of around a dozen districts are being discussed for the possible changes. The proposed reshuffle may also give 2017-batch IAS officers the opportunity to take charge of district administration.

Bhopal is among the places from where the discussion about the possible reshuffle has emerged. Special attention is reportedly being given to districts where the same officer has been serving as collector for a long time. The government is considering changes in the administrative arrangement, although the final decision has not yet been announced.

The proposed exercise could involve balancing seniority, experience and the availability of officers while making new postings in the districts. However, it is not yet clear which officers will be removed or which officials will be given new postings. The complete picture will become clear only after official orders are issued.

The districts whose names are being discussed include Harda, Narmadapuram, Sehore, Balaghat, Pandhurna, Mandsaur, Singrauli, Neemuch, Khandwa, Panna and Jabalpur. However, there has been no official confirmation that collectors will be changed in these districts. Changes in the final list are also possible.

There is also discussion in administrative circles that some IAS officers from the 2017 batch may be given charge as district collectors for the first time or may receive a new responsibility. Giving these officers an opportunity to work at the district level would involve responsibilities related to field administration, implementation of development schemes and coordination on law-and-order matters.

The possible changes may not be limited to the posts of district collectors. Changes at the commissioner level are also being discussed in some divisions. New postings in the Jabalpur and Narmadapuram divisions have been mentioned as part of the possible administrative changes.

Apart from this, a reshuffle is also being discussed for some other posts. These include the Chief Executive Officer of the Indore Development Authority, as well as certain positions at the Mantralaya and Raj Bhavan levels.

The final decision on the administrative reshuffle will emerge after deliberations at the Chief Minister’s level and the process related to the postings of the concerned officers. At present, the names of possible officers and districts are only part of ongoing discussions.

Until the government issues an official order, no officer’s transfer or new appointment can be considered final. The names being discussed and the possible district-wise changes may therefore be revised before the final list is issued.