The Minister of Housing, Manohar Lal, on Sunday spoke out against a long-standing practice which he termed the 'Delhi Club' within the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). He noted that some employees have been able to remain in place in the capital for over thirty years thanks to influential patrons.
The issue of old postings
The Minister reported that after the implementation of a transparent transfer policy, many approach him with requests to cancel already issued transfer orders. Speaking at the celebration of the founding day of CPWD, he commented on the situation, stating: 'I was told there were people who had not been transferred for 20–30 years. No one could move them. Big and influential people started approaching me regarding these employees when transfer orders were issued, claiming they had known such employees for many years. I told them that at least it would happen this time, and we would see next year.'
A call to employees
His remark reflected a well-known fact in government circles: CPWD employees often build close ties with political leaders and senior bureaucrats, overseeing the contents of their official residences and offices. The Minister emphasized that workers should think about the welfare of all their colleagues, not just their own. He also urged CPWD staff to exert maximum effort for the good of society.
He added that he had heard various opinions about the department, for example, that CPWD is the Department of Corrupt Public Works or the Department of Corrupt Power. However, he himself believes it is a Comprehensive Department with huge potential.
