Express News Service
Bangalore, Feb 8: Firing the first salvo at former Chief Secretary P B Mahishi’s initiative for a five-day week for State Government employees, his successor Sudhakar Rao has termed it as a “meaningless exercise”.
He told reporters after taking charge on Thursday, that the five-day week idea had failed to make an impact when it was first introduced in the State a few years ago.
However, he said he would soon consult the employees’ associations before taking any final decision in this regard.
Refusing to answer questions on the controversy surrounding Mahishi’s ouster midway through his tenure and his (Rao) subsequent appointment to the coveted post, he said: “Governor has appointed me keeping faith in my ability and I would respect his decision.”
He said that working as a Chief Secretary was a challenging job and he was prepared to take up the challenge and contribute to the development of the State.
Outlining his priorities as Chief Secretary, Rao said his focus would be on taking administration to the doorsteps of common man, besides, maintaining high degree of transparency in the administration.
Rao said he would soon convene a meeting of police officers to discuss terrorist activities that have surfaced in the State and to discuss measures to curb them.
“All measures will be initiated to maintain law and order and also curb effectively the terrorist activities,” Rao said.
The new Chief Secretary said he would devote his attention for the implementation of programmes outlined in the 2007-08 budget.
Earlier News: