HYDERABAD: Terming his decision to seek voluntary retirement as a purely personal choice, SE Shekhar Babu, secretary of AP Information Commission (APIC), expressed anguish over the claims in the media that his decision was a result of professional unhappiness. “I have been on leave for 4-5 days undergoing treatment for a medical problem.My health is my first priority and that, along with a number of personal reasons, has led to my opting for voluntary retirement,” he said in an exclusive interview with Express.He denied media reports that he was unhappy with his current post or was not in favour of the newly nominated information commissioners.“Voluntary retirement is something any government officer can opt for.I decided not to spend another two months in office, and instead to spend time looking after my health.And I have enjoyed my stint here as a secretary for the past six months.I joined two months late last September (he was scheduled to join in June 2011) because I wanted to relax for some weeks before taking up the new assignment at APIC,” said Shekhar Babu who will turn 60 this April.“My absence is not going to hurt the functioning of the organisation much since it’s only for two months, after which a replacement will be made.” On the appointment of new information commissioners, he wondered, “Being a subordinate of the government, why should I complain against the list of newly appointed ICs?” “The government order arrived at my office on 18th of this month.But I was on leave then and personally saw the order only now (Wednesday),” he said showing his dated signature of confirmation on the GO.The voluntary retirement confirmation means Babu will now retire on Feb 29
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