Kerala government did not promote Sriram Venkitaraman, confirms Revenue Minister

Finally, Kerala government confirmed that Devikulam former sub-collector Sriram Venkitaraman was not promoted but transferred. Clarifying the stance of the government, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan stated that he never said that Venkitaraman was promoted. 

The minister made the statement after a response for a right to information query revealed that the sub collector was transferred and it was not as part of the promotion. There were reports that he was transferred as the government was not happy with the way he was handling land encroachments in Munnar. 

Venkittaram was strictly against encroachments and had reclaimed some of the properties, and the government was upset with this. This led to his transfer, but there were reports that he was assigned new role as part of the promotion. 

The reply received for a right to information query clarified that his current position is equal to the rank of sub collector grade A. Venkitaraman was appointed as Employment and Training director. The minister explained about the post in the reply and that the matter need not be discussed further. 

The government had faced criticism for transferring the sub collector who took stern action again encroachment in Munnar. Following this, government, including Chief Minister, said that he was promoted and transferred and it was not part of any revenge. 
 

• Sriram Venkitaraman
• Devikulam sub-collector
• RTI