In a decisive administrative directive, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has relieved senior IAS officer Prasad Lolayekar (2014 batch) of his responsibilities in Goa with immediate effect and has instructed him to report promptly to his new posting in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Context and Background
This move comes after Mr. Lolayekar failed to assume charge of his new assignment, several months after being transferred during the September 2024 AGMUT cadre reshuffle (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territories). He is not alone in this delay — Mr. Sanjit Rodrigues (2013 batch), also transferred during the same reshuffle to Ladakh, has yet to take up his new role.
MHA’s Warning on Delayed Joining
Reaffirming its standing policy, the MHA has emphasized that officers must report to their new postings within 15 days from the effective date of transfer. Failure to do so will lead to the officer being considered “stand relieved” automatically, irrespective of whether a formal handover has occurred.
The ministry has further cautioned that continued non-compliance may attract disciplinary action, including:
Debarment from promotions
Adverse entries in service records
Other administrative penalties
Broader Cadre Realignment
These developments are part of a wider reshuffle in the AGMUT cadre, which included the transfer of six IAS officers out of Goa and the appointment of five new officers to the state. The MHA’s firm stance signals a renewed push for discipline, accountability, and adherence to service norms across Union Territories and cadre regions.
Central Government’s Message
This action sends a clear message that the Central Government will not tolerate administrative indiscipline, especially at the senior bureaucratic level. It reinforces expectations that civil servants must demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and prompt compliance with transfer orders — fundamental principles in maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of India’s top administrative ranks.
