The maiden address of KK Paul as the Uttarakhand Governor has sent panic waves among the Ministers and the bureaucrats of the State. He pitched for transparency and high standards in the State Government's day-to-day functioning.
It is the first time in Uttarakhand's history that a Governor has addressed a gathering immediately after taking oath. This indicates that the Governor would not remain ensconced within the precincts of Raj Bhawan. "He might prove a public-spirited, pro-active Governor. The State Government has reasons to fear ," one of those who listened to the Governor said. The possibility of the Governor breathing down the State Government's neck has made the Opposition happy.
Talking to the media, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said that the Governor is an experienced person and the State would be thus benefited. Haridwar MP and former Chief Minister Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that the Governor stressing on transparency augurs well for the State. The particular word would force the Government to be accountable. Some interesting things might unfold in the coming days, he said.
In a significant gesture, Paul has instructed Chief Secretary N Ravishankar not to use 'His Excellency' while addressing him. Ironically, his predecessor Dr Aziz Quereshi was particular that he be addressed 'His Excellency'. He is said to have given an earful to his subordinates whenever such title was omitted in a communiqué. A courtesy meeting of the senior officials with the newly-appointed Governor is scheduled on 12 January at 12 pm. The Chief Secretary has asked the Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary and Secretary In-charge to be present at Raj Bhawan on time.