Kerala govt okays VS Achuthanandan residence, no to office in secretariat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has allotted Kawdiar House as official residence of Administrative Reforms Commission chairman designate and veteran leader V S Achuthanandan.

The allotment comes a day after the veteran leader had shot of a letter to chief secretary expressing his displeasure over alleged government indifference towards requirements of ARC. The government, however, did not accept the demand for allotting office space for Commission in the Secretariat main building or the new annexe.

As decided earlier, Achuthanandan will function from Institute of Management in Government (IMG) premises near PMG junction. In his letter, Achuthanandan had complained that the government was not prepared for any interaction on the choice of office and official residence. But what annoyed him the most was the manner in which two women staff came to his rented house on Monday and passed on the information that ARC office would be located in IMG.

The veteran was upset since the earlier understanding on allotting office in new annexe building had been changed unilaterally. Moreover the decision had been conveyed through staff members and that too without any discussions, which according to him amounted to humiliation.

The government sources, however, denied Achuthanandan's charges. Sources said the government had allotted adequate space in IMG as it was improper to provide office to a former chief minister in the secretariat building.

Even while deciding the staff issue neither the chief secretary nor any other officer had interacted with him. There is still no clarity on the responsibilities and guidelines for the functioning of the ARC.

It may be recalled that Achuthanandan had written a letter on August 18 expressing his willingness to take up the post. However, what perturbed him were the unilateral decisions taken by the government. Achuthanandan was appointed chairman of ARC on August 3.