Idukki: The Left Democratic Front government on Wednesday posted Devikulam subcollector Sriram Venkitaraman as employment and training director, Manorama News reported.



Sriram had kicked up a hornet's nest when he carried out an anti-encroachment drive in Munnar. He refused to be cowed down by the threats of even ministers, the local MLA and the CPM district leadership.

The local leaders had requested chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan to transfer Sriram from Devikulam.

He took over as Devikulam subcollector in July, 2016.

CPI objects, but minister says administrative move

The CPI that handles the revenue portfolio of the government has objected to the removal of Sriram from Devikulam. The CPI, the second largest ally of LDF government, has been at the loggerheads with the CPM.

Though the party leadership has made known its displeasure over the transfer, revenue minister E. Chandrasekharan was his diplomatic self. He said the transfer was routine.

Refusing to be drawn into any controversy over the matter, Chandrasekharan, a CPI nominee in the cabinet, said the change should be viewed as part of administrative process.

"It is not the party which decides on transfers. This change should be seen as part of administrative process. The official has been assistant collector and sub-collector for four years and the transfer is natural," he said.

"The Devikulam subcollector had carried out the policy of the LDF govt vis-a-vis the anti-encroachment drive. It will continue regardless of who is at helm," he told mediapersons, when told that the CPI Idukki district secretary, K.K. Shivaraman, had opposed the transfer of Sriram.

Kerala HC not to intervene in homestay eviction



The government has appointed Wayanad sub-collector, Premkumar as Devikulam sub-collector. The new official will implement the government's policy over eviction of encroachers, the minister said.

Congress leader Pandalam Sudhakaran said though the state government was well within its right to shift any official, the transfer of Venkataraman will only help in affecting the morale of upright and honest officers.

"The transfer of the officer is 'unfortunate' as he had waged a fierce battle against encroachers in Munnar," he said.

The move comes a day after the Kerala High Court said it would not intervene in the government action to evict the Lovedale Homestay in Munnar. The revenue department informed the court that the homestay was functioning on a plot that was identified for setting up the Munnar village office.

The High Court rejected a petition filed by the homestay owner, V.V. George, challenging an eviction notice served by the Devikulam subcollector.

(With PTI inputs)

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