Collector's Transfer

Abstract

In October, about four months before the national elections, the Collectorship of Matsyapura district became vacant with the transfer to another district of the previous holder of the office. The Collector's office was located in the city of Matsyapura, which had a population of over two and a half lakhs. It was a big market centre for agricultural products and textiles. The previous Collector of the district had been promoted to this post and had a reputation among his subordinates and the people of the city for being responsive and accommodating to the local political leaders of the party that was in power before the legislature had been suspended.

During President's rule, the Governor, a retired ICS officer, sought to improve the quality of administration to ensure the holding of fair and orderly elections. He arranged for the appointment of strong and more independent men as Collectors. Almost all the heavily populated districts, where corrupt election practices might be expected, were filled with such regular lAS officers. The case presented here describes the experiences of one of the officers.