CPWD – Ministry Seeks Report on Delayed Sensitive Post Transfers
CPWD – The Central Public Works Department has again come under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ attention over the prolonged posting of officials in sensitive assignments. The department has not yet submitted an action taken report on the implementation of its transfer and rotation policy, despite several reminders from the ministry and the Central Vigilance Commission.
Ministry Sets New Deadline for Compliance Report
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has issued a fresh communication to CPWD after the department failed to provide the requested action taken report. Officials have been asked to submit the report by Monday, outlining the steps taken to rotate personnel serving in designated sensitive positions.
The matter has gained importance following a recent vigilance review that identified significant gaps in compliance. The Central Vigilance Commission examined the department’s progress under the current rotation cycle and found that transfers had been completed in only a small number of cases.
Audit Shows Most Identified Posts Still Await Rotation
According to the review, CPWD had identified 1,641 sensitive posts where officers were required to be moved under the rotation policy. By March, only 39 officials had been transferred. This meant that 1,602 posts were still awaiting the required changes in posting.
The figures have raised concerns about whether the department is following safeguards designed to prevent officials from remaining in the same sensitive role for extended periods. Such roles can involve decision-making authority, procurement-related responsibilities, project supervision or other functions where transparency measures are considered especially important.
Vigilance Commission Issued Repeated Reminders
In May, the Central Vigilance Commission asked CPWD to conduct an immediate review of all relevant postings and ensure transfers were carried out in accordance with existing instructions. The commission requested a compliance report within two weeks.
When the report was not received, further reminders were sent on June 1 and June 24. The commission noted that it had previously issued several circulars on rotational transfers for officials holding sensitive assignments.
These directions are intended to reduce the risk of vested interests developing in a particular office or project area. The commission has also said that regular transfers can help limit avoidable complaints, allegations and concerns over the misuse of authority.
Rotation Policy Intended to Strengthen Transparency
The policy on sensitive postings is a preventive vigilance measure used across government departments. It seeks to ensure that officers do not continue in the same sensitive assignment beyond the prescribed tenure. Regular movement of staff is viewed as one way to improve institutional oversight and reduce the possibility of irregularities.
The CVC has repeatedly advised departments to identify such posts clearly, maintain updated records of tenure, and take timely action before an officer exceeds the permitted period. Compliance reports are expected to show the number of officials transferred, pending cases and reasons for any delay.
Earlier Review Had Flagged Extended Tenures
The issue had also surfaced during a CVC review in November last year. At that time, the commission found that at least 325 CPWD officials had continued in sensitive posts beyond the allowed tenure period.
The latest reminder from the housing ministry indicates that the department is now expected to provide a detailed account of corrective action. The report is likely to clarify whether pending transfers have been completed and whether CPWD has introduced a system to ensure timely rotation in future cycles.