Single window CS
The present chief secretary Rakesh Sharma being endowed with the responsibilities of a string of important departments has set the buzz in the administrative corridors that the State Government has opened a single- window system to facilitate the prospective entrepreneurs. Things are encouraging, given the fact that Sharma is known as a stickler for ‘do it now’ dictum. One of his colleagues said that the CS heading a host of important departments would bode well for the State that is supposed to be floundering in the maze of bureaucratic dilly-dally. He is expected to clear things at once while others may take ages. However, the regret is that his tenure is woefully short-just 90 says since he assumed charge. It means he would exit on October 31 unless the State Government extends his term. Sources say the State Government can give extension for three months i.e. till January 31next, without going for the formality of bringing Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on board. If things are to be extended further DoPT must be humoured to nod.
Chaotic Babudom
The adage goes that the Babus smell things from afar. This is what is happening in Utarakhand’s Babudom as the time for announcing the Seventh Pay Commission recommendation is drawing near. As per the Sixth Pay Commission recommendation, the Central Government employees will serve either for 33 years or up to the time they reach 58 years whichever is earlier. Though this is yet to be declared the Babus who are on the threshold of superannuation are now busy making hays when the sun still shines.
Those who were day-dreaming of becoming chief secretary until recently are now eying greener pastures of post-retirement rehabilitation. However, for the state government, things would be pretty easy, as several of IASs would retire by the time the 7th Pay Commission report would be tabled. There would be multiple options for it to choose, keeping in view their docility to toe its line. But the Babus counting days for exit are in a tearing hurry. One senior officer is now weighing option for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) so that he can re-join as information commissioner. However, there is the rub, as the state government has nearly decided to make the former chief secretary N Ravishankar the next chief information commissioner of Uttarakhand.