THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday called for changing the existing approach towards investors. “We have lost the outlook of encouraging those coming to set up industrial and business ventures in the state. People coming to the state to invest are still being treated as enemies,” he said while summing up the two-day high level meeting of Collectors and department secretaries here .
Mr Vijayan said “Ease of doing business” had been implemented to ensure prompt sanction for industries in a hassle free manner. However, if officials failed to change their approach and mindset, obstacles will continue to exist in various sectors. He said investments were crucial for state’s progress. The government alone cannot do everything. Realising this fact steps should be taken to avoid any obstacles for prospective investors, he added. The CM directed department secretaries and Collectors to give top priority to development and social security.
Senior officials should use their rich administrative experience to make the governance mechanism more efficient and transparent. Mr Vijayan said the people expected major changes from this government. Drastic changes will have to be made in the existing methods and style of governance to rise to their expectations. He asked officials to be vigilant while implementing development projects. The benefits of welfare schemes should reach each and every person. While Kerala is known for corruption free governance, one cannot say the same for service sector.
The unethical practices have not come to an end completely. “Don’t turn a blind eye to corruption. Effective and strong intervention is needed to make administration corruption free down to the level of village office,” the Chief Minister said. Mr Vijayan said many people had made it a practice to arrive late to office and leave early. The respective department heads need to monitor such issues.
