Need for political consensus on IPS transfers: CM

MUMBAI: CM Prithviraj Chavan on Wednesday said there is a need for political consensus on transfers of IPS officers. The statement clearly indicates differences between Congress and NCP over the transfer issue.

"A case is in the SC. The apex court has even given some instructions. But, it is not possible to follow them in

Reportedly, Chavan and Patil are at loggerheads over the transfers' issues.

"Some say the government should follow the Maharashtra Transfer and Promotion Act, while others say it would be contempt of court and we should go by the SC directives," he said. According to the Maharashtra Transfer and Promotion Act, state can transfer those who have completed three years in a post, while SC says two years are enough. "I think officers who have completed three years should be transferred," he said. tnn

The CM during the meeting with journalist even expressed that he was not comfortable with giving entire powers of transfers to the police establishment board. "There is need for a system in place. If board is entrusted with the entire power than is ministry merely for being at receiving end after every mishap," Chavan questioned.

The CM said the ruling DF government had filed an affidavit in the on the entire issue and last month the chief secretary was personally present for the hearing in the Supreme Court.