THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy says that he will not blame the bureaucracy if it fails to imbibe the spirit of the UDF Government’s functioning.It is the solemn duty of the political leadership, Chief Minister and ministers to correct wherever and whenever a fault is detected.Those who had come to power in the state from time to time, including me, are responsible for the present state of affairs.‘’The will of the government for time-bound implementation of initiatives for people’s welfare and development should be channelled downstream for better end results.I’m aiming for it .All aspects related to development are being given on the website now on the very same day in which a particular matter is done.The big plus point with me is that I’ve constant contact with the masses and the feedback is overwhelming to propel me.’’ Question: Highlights on the achievements of the government? Answer: On the issue of protected teachers, the government has found out a lasting solution.Till now, a school manager and DEO together could have created ground for a teacher post by placing one on long leave.The system has been ended by doing away with protection.One should keep in mind that it was in vogue here even when a chief minister or department head could not create a post on their own.The Re-1-a-kg rice scheme for the poor and the issuance of ration cards on the very same day of filing an application are no mean feats either.In fact, the inspiration and confidence to introduce the Right to Services Act has come from the response to the ration card and rice distribution schemes.And apart from releasing everything related to the functioning of the government on websites, the idea of transferable development rights of land surrendered for development purposes by introducing bonds has been mooted.Q: But the government has dithered on the self-financing education sector agreements, Attappady package etc? A: On the self-financing education sector, it is sad that the state has not been able to move an inch forward from the initiative of the Antony government in 2002.The state has lost ten years.We’ve just followed the agreement which was in vogue last year.All can be sure that a permanent agreement will be reached soon.Personally, I’ll lead the drive for it once the forthcoming Assembly session is over.In the Attappady package, there is no question of leaving the tribals in the lurch and their rights on their land will be fully protected.What has been presented now is a KSEB scheme.If there is a better scheme presented by any quarters, it will be considered.It is not the interests of windmill companies but the voice of tribals that matters.Q: There is also a general feeling that projects like Smart City,Vizhinjam and Kochi Metro rail project will have to go a long way for realization ? A: Time lag is the main issue confronting the state, be it development projects or various matters concerning the common man.We’re trying to change it.The 24 X 7 call centre in my office is a move towards this end.It may be small things of a citizen which could be done simply in an office but languishing for various reasons.A mechanism wherein people get a big relief with assured results, the call centre was frowned upon by officials themselves at the outset arguing that it will increase the burden of the government.Q: Why the government is unable to counter the political onslaught unleashed by Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan now and then? A: We don’t indulge in such antics.Achuthanandan is demanding a CBI probe against P K Kunhalikutty now.But why he didn’t take steps when he was Chief Minister some 100 days ago? Or on other issues which he is clamouring for now? Because he knows the ultimate truth.People will see through the politics of it.Q: Is it not true that the shadow of your role in the palmolein case and the court directive are influencing your effective functioning ? A: Mentally I’m not at all down.I’ve taken a position that I’ll not appeal against the vigilance court order, though I was advised otherwise.A public servant should never fear a probe.My conscience is very clear.Kerala will never allow a person who has done nothing wrong to be punished.Truth will come out and only truth will prevail.This is what I’ve learnt from my long years of public life
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