Kottayam: A head clerk who went to join at the Minor Irrigation office was not able to occupy her chair as the relieving official refused to vacate his chair and sat on for the whole day. The woman waited for the full duty hours outside the office, but had to leave without being able to sit in her chair.
This musical chair was staged at the Assistant Executive Engineer's (AXE) office at the Mini Civil Station on Thursday. The head clerk did not even rise from his chair, making sure he does not lose it.
The female official had been transferred from Palai Minor Irrigation office to the Kottayam office six months ago. But she got transfer orders to the drinking water quality control office in Panayakazhipu last week. As objections were raised to such unusual transfer, it was explained that the order was an error at the chief engineer's office. The chief engineer then issued orders allowing her to stay on in Kottayam.
She came to Kottayam with the new order on Wednesday, but the AXE was not in the office. The head clerk who had joined in her place was also not available. She placed the order on the AXE's table, signed the register, occupied her chair and worked. But on Thursday as she went to the office she found the other head clerk occupying her chair and keeping the register in his custody. The AXE was still not in the office.
She said she asked for the register but was told she could sign only after the AXE comes. He kept the register in his custody by force. She has lodged complaints with the chief engineer and executive engineer.
K.J. George, the executive engineer, said the confusion was caused by the AXE's absence. The AXE had gone to Thiruvanathapuram in connection with an inauguration at the department, he said.
George said the chief engineer's orders will be implemented. It is mandatory that the head clerk has to join duty in the presence of the AXE. He said the problem will be solved soon.
