Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday asserted that eliminating corruption in recruitments and transfers remains a key priority of his government, stating that all appointments and transfers in the Health Department are being carried out strictly through counselling to ensure transparency.

Addressing newly appointed candidates, he cautioned them against approaching middlemen for transfers and flagged the growing menace of so-called transfer agents.

“All these recruitments are being done through counselling. The government’s objective is to eliminate corruption,” he said, reiterating the administration’s commitment to transparent appointments.

Highlighting recent administrative measures, the Chief Minister said the transfer process was also being streamlined. “Through counselling, we have carried out around 5,700 transfers, including doctors. Likewise, new appointments are also being made through counselling so that corruption does not take place in transfers and recruitments,” he noted.

He urged candidates not to seek favours through intermediaries. “Do not go to anyone for transfers. Agents have started operating — transfer agents. They demand money and even try to get payments made to officials. Such practices must stop,” he said, adding that his remarks were based on long administrative experience.

Siddaramaiah said he has served in public life for over four decades as a Minister, MLA, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Minister, observing that the issue of transfer-related malpractice has grown over time.

He was speaking at the ‘Abhaya Hasta’ programme organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare to distribute appointment letters to newly recruited candidates. Around 1,000 candidates received their appointment orders and formally joined the department.

“I have symbolically distributed the appointment letters. Nearly 1,000 people are receiving their appointment letters today and joining the Health and Family Welfare Department. I extend my congratulations and best wishes to all the newly appointed,” he said.

Emphasising the critical role of the department, he told recruits that their positions were not merely jobs but a responsibility towards public service. “This department serves the people and works to prevent diseases. You must always remember that you are the ones who help save lives,” he said.

Referring to staff shortages, the Chief Minister said the government had committed to filling vacancies in a phased manner after returning to power. He noted that over 2.5 lakh posts remain vacant and would be filled in stages, with priority given to essential sectors such as Education, Health and Police.

Stressing the ethos of service, he added that the Health Department must function with a spirit of humanity. “You have chosen to serve people. There is no place for caste or religion here — only humanity,” he said.