While Bhatt described the transfers as an ``administrative change'' and made in the GEB's larger interests since the officers were allegedly involved in appointments, transfers, promotions, purchases and other matters. The decision came after consultations with Member (Administration) S K Nanda on Wednesday night.

The five officers transferred are General Manager (HRD) J G Zaz, Deputy General Manager (DGM) Romi Bhatia, Industrial Relations Officer of the Kadana Hydro-Electricity Project D R Gupta, HRD IRO B J Patel and Chief Finance Manager (Stores and Purchase) M K Iyer.

Sources said Zaz had availed himself of loans twice for the same house. Besides, he is also said to be involved in certain suspect transfers, promotions and appointments.

Incidentally, retired Board officer Arvind Padia had also filed a court case against Zaz. Following a series of complaints, the ruling BJP's Parivartan Cell, too, initiated an inquiry.

Iyer was reported to have been involved in alleged irregularities in the Stores and Purchase wing, while Bhatia was Zaz's deputy.

Henceforth, Zaz will be in charge of management training, while Bhatia will fill the vacancy of DGM at Sikka thermal power station. Apart from replacing Bhatia, Gupta will be in charge of industrial relations.

Patel will handle court cases while Additional General Manager (HRD) A D Karpe will be in overall charge of the department. Iyer has been transferred as Chief Finance Manager (Budget and Purchase); he will be replaced by M B Parikh, CFM (Budget and Purchase).

Asked about further action, the GEB chairman said it would depend on the evidence that came up. Legal opinion had been sought on the recovery of the seven OSDs whose services had been terminated last week, he added.

Bhatt said that as per the resolution of 1961, the GEB chairman could authorise any officer to exercise the powers of any other officer(s) during the latter's absence or in such other contigencies. Board employees could also be transferred as the exigencies of administration required, he added.

Bhatt claimed there was no delay in the Board's Gandhinagar and Wanakbori Thermal power projects, adding that the import of coal was being studied.

Meanwhile, at a meeting Bhatt instructed executive engineers and superintending engineers to give focus on the distribution department as it was directly related with the masses. Instructions were also given to electrify at the earliest Gokul Gram Yojana villages.

He also advised officers to develop a clean image to prevent the Board from getting a bad name.

Measures were also discussed to provide uninterrupted power supply during festivals, including Navratri and Diwali. Issues of power theft and irregularities in various other Board departments also came up for discussion.