Thiruvananthapuram, 03 Nov (H.S.): Kerala Health Minister K. Muraleedharan on Tuesday dismissed speculation surrounding the recent reshuffle of senior IAS officers, asserting that transfers and changes in administrative positions were routine exercises that should not be viewed as unusual developments.

Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, the minister said the replacement of Health Department Principal Secretary Sharmila Mary Joseph was part of a broader administrative reshuffle involving several senior bureaucrats.

“There is nothing surprising about the reshuffle. Such changes are common in administration. One secretary leaves and another takes charge. It is a normal process,” Muraleedharan said.

He rejected suggestions that the transfer of Sharmila Mary Joseph would adversely affect the functioning of the Health Department.

The minister pointed out that senior IAS officer Mohammed Hanish had been appointed as the new Principal Secretary of the Health Department and that the change would not disrupt administrative activities or ongoing programmes.

Muraleedharan also clarified that the government had never followed a practice of consulting the IAS Officers' Association before implementing transfers and postings.

Turning to preparations for the forthcoming Sabarimala Mandala pilgrimage season, the minister maintained that the state government had taken all necessary steps to ensure adequate facilities for devotees.

He said the government had made arrangements for infrastructure, including roads, and had addressed requirements relating to the supply of Aravana prasadam.

The Chief Minister had personally visited Sabarimala to review the arrangements and assess the preparedness of the authorities, he added.

Muraleedharan, however, made it clear that any shortage of Aravana or other essential facilities during the pilgrimage season would be the responsibility of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

“The government has done everything within its capacity. There is nothing more that a government can reasonably do,” the minister said, placing responsibility for any subsequent shortcomings on the Devaswom Board.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman