Ahead of TN assembly polls, secretariat officials working overtime to clear files

CHENNAI: With just a month left for the model code of conduct for the Assembly elections, the secretariat is now buzzing with activity.

After Pongal holidays, the departments are racing against time to get government orders and pending payments cleared. Officials are also now working over time on administrative files related to transfers and promotions, said informed sources.

Meanwhile, contractors and service providers associated with Chennai corporation are also frequenting the civic engineers and senior officials to get the bills and work order papers released.

“Ministers and other authorities shall not sanction grants, payments out of discretionary funds from the time elections are announced,” a senior official told DC. Transfer of more IAS and IPS officers is likely by next week.

“There is a three-fold increase in file movements at the secretariat since last week. Pongal holidays had also accumulated files. The officers are now seen glued to their seats clearing files. The flood relief files related to Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Cuddalore added to the existing burden and routine files are now being cleared to get over the backlog,” said an under secretary.

“My road repair bill is pending for the past two months. Last week, the engineers requested me to complete a few more road repair works, but when I insisted on my bills, they said the deputy commissioner concerned has been transferred and I have to wait for a few more weeks”, said a corporation contractor.