Ease of business up in Secretariat

Contrary to the former Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa visiting the Secretariat only occasionally while attending to files at home, Panneerselvam checks into his office daily much to the surprise of junior officials. This in turn has resulted in other ministers too attending to official work. “The ministers even visit their offices in the Secretariat on weekends” said a government official. 

“Even the entrance which was used exclusively by late CM Jayalalithaa when she visited the Secretariat and where commoners were not allowed is no longer a restricted area” said a police officer. 

Chief secretary Dr Girija Vaidhyanathan taking over from her predecessor P Rama Mohan Rao a few days ago has put the administration on its feet. Sources said that she called for files on all pending works, especially with regard to buildings under construction and so everyone is on their toes to ensure compliance. 

The Tamil Nadu government Officials’ Union state president calling on the CM ensures that officials are more than willing to serve him. This freedom has resulted in ministers interacting with the press often, something which they avoided during Jayalalithaa’s time.