IGOA president G M Chauhan said: “The entire issue is a game of favouritism and discrimination. The Commissioner, Jugunu Sahay, is retiring this month. The transfers were passed on January 31, but we were informed only on February 3. We have called for an executive meeting on February 13 and issued a letter to the commissioner, giving the deadline of February 25.” The 28 officers have already been relieved from their posts and have been asked to join duties at new places.

IGOA general secretary Y S Meena said: “This is completely autocratic. The Income-tax officers have been transferred with a prejudiced mind, especially right before the commissioner’s retirement. We would have raised immediate objections on this, but the authorities did not bother to consider.”

The association members have now protested against the violation of the transfer policy.

Meena added: “The norms of the transfer policy have been purposely neglected. They have transferred officers who either have two years left for retirement or are suffering from ailments or have spouses working here. This is completely against the transfer policy.”