Rajnath Singh restores DGs powers to transfers top officers

NEW DELHI: Home Minister Rajnath Singh today restored the power of the chiefs of Central paramilitary forces to transfer or post officers up to the rank of Special and Additional Directors General, over two years after it was taken away from them and vested with the Minister.

Since July 2013, the Directors General of BSF, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, CISF and Assam Rifles were allowed to decide on transfer and posting of officers up to the rank of Inspector General, while the Home Minister used to take a call on officers above that rank.

The order to divest the DGs of this power was issued by former Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami, whose tenure was cut short over his alleged links with Saradha scam accused Mantang Sinh. The chiefs of Central parmilitary forces had protested the action and represented to the Home Ministry against it.

Earlier this year, Rajnath Singh had enhanced the financial powers of Directors General of Central Armed Police Forces under the Annual Procurement Plan as well as Modernisation Plan for speeding up of the procurement process.

The delegated powers for procurement of Arms and Ammunition and Machinery and Equipment had been increased from Rs five crore to Rs 20 crore.

The existing delegated powers for procurement of clothing and tentage were increased from Rs six crore to Rs 15 crore and for Computer and peripheral items, from Rs 25 lakh to Rs one crore.

He had in December last year enhanced the financial powers of DGs of these forces in respect of major and minor works, special repairs, land acquisition, accomodation and hiring of buildings.