CESC MD transferred on Sept. 8, back on Sept. 12

Mysuru: In an unusual top-level administrative development, IAS Officer M.S. Archana has returned as the Managing Director (MD) of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) just three days after she was transferred on Sept. 8.

Archana resumed charge as the CESC MD last evening, as today is Sunday, replacing N. Chandrashekar, who had held the post for just 3 days from Sept. 9 to 11.

Sources told Star of Mysore that Archana, known for her tough stance against corruption, had suspended several officials during her tenure. This reportedly angered a section of officers and employees, who allegedly influenced her transfer.

Sources also said that soon after taking charge, Archana restricted unnecessary expenditure and large-scale projects to conserve funds for employee salaries. She reportedly directed that projects should be taken up only when necessary, particularly those benefiting farmers.

The move is said to have upset some officers who were allegedly expecting commissions, prompting lobbying and political pressure for her transfer, sources said.

However, Archana challenged the premature transfer before the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT), seeking legal relief against the order.

She had taken charge as the CESC MD on Mar. 31, succeeding K.M. Munigopal Raju, who retired on superannuation. However, just over five months into her tenure, she was transferred without a posting on Sept. 8 and N. Chandrashekar was appointed in her place.

Chandrashekar, a 2017-batch IAS Officer, was serving as the Joint Secretary to Government, Infrastructure Development, Ports and Inland Water Transport Department, Bengaluru.

He assumed charge as the CESC MD on the evening of Sept. 9. He has now relinquished the post following Archana’s return.