Karnataka health department transfers 5,676 officers, staffers in major anti-corruption move
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Bengaluru: In a sweeping move aimed at curbing corruption and boosting transparency, the Karnataka health department has transferred 5,676 officers and staff members across the state in accordance with the Karnataka Civil Services (Regulation of Transfer of Medical Officers and Other Staff) Rules, 2025.
According to a report by Deccan Herald, the department adopted a data-driven approach to the transfer process by categorising districts into critical and non-critical zones. Medical officers were evaluated on a points-based system, awarding two marks for each year of rural service and 1.5 marks for urban postings. Based on these scores, doctors were ranked. The ranks determined the priority order for them to choose the place of their liking.
The non-critical zones are more in number than the critical zones. After the first set of doctors chose non-critical zones, and the number of critical and non-critical zones reached parity, the remaining doctors were required to opt for positions in critical zones.
A grievance redressal committee has also been constituted to handle objections or appeals related to postings.
“There will be annual transfers in the same way as it helps clean up the system. My office was filled with people with recommendation letters from politicians and other influential persons, because people felt that was how the system works. Through this new method, all lobbying will end,” DH quoted Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao as saying.
To manage the scale of the operation, eight teams were deployed in each district to oversee the counselling process, which was held at district health offices. Remote staff were able to participate online, eliminating the need to travel to Bengaluru. The process was supported by specialised software displaying real-time vacancy data, with senior officials joining virtually via video conferencing.
Rao acknowledged the challenges involved, noting that the department had to consider the personal impact on families. "We had a lot of humanitarian challenges. We had to take into consideration how transfers affect officials' families," he said.
Due to some vacancies remaining unfilled in critical zones, a second round of counselling was conducted.
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K'taka remains central to Aequs' strategy, says min Patil amid row over firm's investment in TN
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Commerce and Industries Minister M B Patil on Monday asserted that Aequs continues to expand in the state and that its proposed investment in neighbouring Tamil Nadu was a business decision aimed at diversification, not a shift away from Karnataka.
Reacting to criticism on social media over reports that the Karnataka-based firm had signed a major investment deal in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district for setting up a specialised aerospace and defense manufacturing cluster, he said the state government was fully aware of the company's plans and remained confident about its long-term commitment to Karnataka.
"While we welcome every major investment in India, would like to clarify a few points," Patil said in a post on 'X'.
Aequs was significantly expanding its footprint within Karnataka, including a Rs 3,000 crore investment in Kolar for electronics manufacturing.
"Its recently approved Rs 1,500 crore ECMS project will also be grounded in the state. Karnataka remains central to its long-term strategy," he said.
Patil added that the government had prior knowledge of the TN proposal.
The government was already informed and aware that the TN investment is a business decision aimed at geographic diversification and de-risking operations, not a shift away from Karnataka.
"Healthy competition between states strengthens India's manufacturing ecosystem," he said.
Emphasising the state's focus on high-technology sectors, Patil said, "We remain committed to deepening Karnataka's leadership in aerospace and advanced manufacturing, and our engagement with industry partners is strong and ongoing."
The Aequs Group has pledged Rs 4,000 crore to bolster Tamil Nadu's aerospace manufacturing capabilities at the SIPCOT-Shoolagiri Industrial Park in Krishnagiri district.
The group proposes to establish a specialised aerospace and defense manufacturing cluster for the production of aircraft engines, gearbox components, and precision engineering parts. This initiative is expected to provide employment to 7,000 individuals.
