Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Announces Major Anti-Corruption Overhaul in Government Transfers and Appointments
In a significant move to combat corruption and eliminate middlemen, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on Saturday that all transfers and appointments in key government departments are now being conducted strictly through counselling processes. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Bengaluru where appointment letters were distributed to approximately 1,000 new recruits in the health and family welfare department.
Counselling System Implemented to Prevent Malpractice
Siddaramaiah revealed that the government has already executed nearly 5,700 transfers, including those of medical doctors, through this transparent counselling mechanism. "These new appointments have also been made through counselling so that corruption does not take place," the Chief Minister emphasized, highlighting the administration's commitment to ethical governance.
The CM issued a stern warning to new recruits against engaging with intermediaries or agents. "Do not go to anyone for transfers. Agents have started operating and they demand money, even trying to route payments to officials. Such practices must stop," he cautioned, addressing concerns about bribery and unethical influence in government postings.
Massive Recruitment Drive to Fill Vacant Positions
Siddaramaiah disclosed that there are currently more than 2.5 lakh vacant posts across various government departments in Karnataka. The administration plans to fill these positions in phases, with priority given to critical sectors including education, health, and police.
Underlining the public service mandate of the health sector specifically, the Chief Minister stated, "There is no place for caste or religion here—only humanity. These are not just jobs but responsibilities towards public service."
Health Department Initiatives and Proposed Reforms
Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao announced several key initiatives during the event:
- A proposal has been submitted to establish a separate recruitment board specifically for the health department, citing its substantial size and operational scope.
- The government is considering appointing 700 students with a monthly stipend of Rs 8,000, described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.
- Within the next two months, 220 specialists will be appointed to strengthen super-speciality services in government hospitals.
- Approximately 1,400 MBBS doctors are currently serving under compulsory rural service, with a proposal under consideration to extend this requirement to postgraduate students as well.
This comprehensive approach represents a major administrative reform aimed at restoring transparency and efficiency in Karnataka's public sector recruitment and transfer systems.
