Brijesh Pandey Relieved of Tribal Welfare Portfolio
Agartala: In a major administrative reshuffle, the Tripura government has transferred eight senior officers, including members of the IAS, IFS, and TCS. Although the transfer order was dated May 27, it was made public on the state government’s portal only on Thursday afternoon.
Dr. Vishal Kumar Removed as AMC Commissioner Amid Anti-Corruption Action
One of the most notable changes is the removal of Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, from his additional charge as Commissioner of the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), barely a month after he assumed the role.
Sources indicate that Dr. Kumar’s exit may not be a routine transfer but rather a fallout of his strong stance against financial irregularities within the AMC. He had reportedly paused the processing of several files related to alleged misuse of municipal funds and initiated preliminary inquiries into both financial and procedural discrepancies.
While many viewed his efforts as a step toward greater transparency, they reportedly angered several AMC councillors. Political observers suggest that the decision to relieve him of his AMC duties was backed at the highest levels — including by the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister.
Key Transfers and New Appointments
The following changes have been officially announced:
K. Shashi Kumar, IFS, currently CCF (Territorial) and Secretary, Science, Technology & Environment, has been given additional charge as Secretary, Tribal Welfare (including TRP & PTG). He is relieved from the Science & Technology Department.
Brijesh Pandey, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer and Secretary, Tribal Welfare, is relieved of his Tribal Welfare responsibilities.
Chaitanya Murti, IFS, PCCF, is assigned additional charge as Principal Secretary, Science, Technology & Environment.
Dilip Kumar Chakma, IAS, DM & Collector of Unakoti, has been appointed as the new Commissioner of AMC, replacing Dr. Vishal Kumar.
Tamal Majumdar, IAS, Additional Secretary, Revenue and GA (AR), has been posted as DM & Collector of Unakoti.
Dr. Vishal Kumar, IAS, will continue as DM & Collector of West Tripura but has been relieved of his responsibilities as AMC Commissioner.
Subrata Datta, TCS Gr-I, Sr. Deputy Collector, West Tripura, is transferred as Deputy Secretary, Revenue Department.
Rupon Das, TCS Gr-I, Additional SDM, Sonamura, is also appointed as Deputy Secretary, Revenue Department.
Reshuffle Raises Questions of Political Interference
Though officially described as a routine reshuffle “in the interest of public service,” the circumstances surrounding Dr. Vishal Kumar’s removal have sparked speculation about political interference, particularly in response to his anti-corruption initiatives at the AMC.
Civil society organizations and transparency watchdogs are expected to keep a close watch on developments within the AMC, especially regarding the irregularities flagged during Dr. Kumar’s short tenure.
