No ‘inspiration’, no naming and shaming, CM signals change in ‘govt for people’

Kolkata: Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, after walking into Nabanna to hold his first cabinet meeting with state officials on Monday, directed them to stop writing the phrase "Mukhhomantrir Anupreronae" (with chief minister's inspiration) to "please" him, and stressed that "the real work should happen" for the benefit of the state. Adhikari made it clear to chief secretary Dushmant Nariala (who was later transferred), home secretary Sanghamitra Ghosh and all departmental secretaries and principal secretaries that there was "no need to use the phrase at every turn to make me happy"."Work will be done to provide service and protection to people, not by my inspiration. So far, the govt was for the party. Many of you have agreed with that. Now, the govt will be for the people. Stop agreeing blindly and express clear opinions for the benefit of the state," the CM said.Adhikari also asked the officials to create a group, possibly on WhatsApp or email, where the chief secretary, CM and all departmental secretaries will be added. He also said that officials, if found negligent or at fault at work, will be pulled up."Over the past 15 years, many of you have made mistakes. It's true that in some cases, there was nothing to be done. The person in charge made it happen. But you should have said ‘no' when you saw wrongdoing," the CM said.He added, "I don't believe in scolding officers in front of the media or addressing them informally. The govt will operate with due respect for officers."The CM assured officials they can have a word with him directly if needed. He also asked officials to ensure there is "no wastage of funds"; rather, the funds should be shelled out on necessary work.