The Revenue Department seems to be in a tight spot with at least 20 of its senior officers quitting in the last two months. The exodus comes in the wake of the new transfer policy that has packed off many officers to far flung, obscure destinations from cushy postings.As far as the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) are concerned, 16 officers, including three commissioners, have taken voluntary retirement (VRS). In the Central Board for Excise and Customs (CBEC), four officers have put in their papers.Sources in the ministry said the resentment had started when 700 officers from the CBDT and about 138 officers from the CBEC were moved this year with the introduction of the new policy, which was announced on May 31. The CBDT transfers included 327 officers of the commissioner rank. About 250 commissioners were shifted out of their posts in metros, where they had been for years. Initially, the officers, who included about 187 commissioners, lodged written protests. But failing to get any favourable result and being forced to join work at the new stations, many decided to proceed on long leave, some even on an year’s vacation. Others have put in their resignation.Though the CBDT chairman M S Darda admits to resentment among cadre, he said, ‘‘most of these officers are quitting because they have found better openings’’.Stating that the officers who have been working in the taxation division are being offered highly paid jobs, some even upto Rs 50 lakh a year, Darda said ‘‘many VRS seekers are also at the fag end of their service’’. The resentment seems to be gathering steam over the last couple of weeks, with the September 23 government order that puts cap of deputation. Under the new policy, which specifies fixed tenures for officers in a particular city or region, almost all commissioners are due for transfers. But Darda said, ‘‘this time we have selected only 50 per cent commissioners, the rest will be transferred next year’’.
