Political interference, bribes mar transfers of Panchayat secretaries in Asifabad, Mancherial

Political interference and bribery allegations have surfaced in the transfer process of Panchayat secretaries in Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Mancherial districts. Employees alleged pressure from politicians and payment of bribes for favourable postings ahead of the counselling process beginning on Monday

Kumram Bheem Asifabad/Mancherial: Unprecedented political interference and bribery in the transfers of Panchayat secretaries marred the transfer process, irking employees in both Kumram Bheem Asifabad and Mancherial districts.

The State recently took up the process of general transfers of Panchayat secretaries. Secretaries who completed at least three years of service by January 1, 2026 in a particular village are to be transferred as per the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018. Those who completed four years of service at a station should be transferred to another station.

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As per the Act, priority is given to spouses, medical hardship cases and employees retiring within one year when multiple requests are made for a single posting. Employees facing pending or contemplated disciplinary or criminal action, or those who were promoted recently, are ineligible for transfers. Requests for transfers are processed through physical counselling overseen by district collectors.

However, it is alleged that the involvement of politicians is troubling employees who do not have contacts with politicians or elected representatives. “The secretaries are forced to submit recommendation letters issued by local legislators to get posted in a village. Those who do not have proximity to an MLA or Minister are struggling to get transferred,” a source said.

Meanwhile, Panchayat officials are drawing criticism for allegedly accepting bribes to post secretaries in their desired villages. They are reportedly collecting anywhere between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh to help a secretary get posted in a village. Secretaries are reportedly offering bribes to officials to secure postings in villages located around district headquarters, towns and rural civic bodies that witness rampant illegal sand mining and unauthorised real estate ventures.

The combined Adilabad district accounts for nearly 1,300 secretaries. While Adilabad has 355 secretaries, over 400 secretaries serve in Nirmal district. More than 300 secretaries work in Mancherial district, while Kumram Bheem Asifabad district has 308 secretaries, including outsourced staff. Vacant posts were filled on an outsourcing basis.

Officials said steps were being taken to prevent political interference and bribery in the transfer process. While the counselling process was scheduled to commence on Monday, the transfers would be completed by May 30.