Dilli Ka Babu
Passing the buck
Passing the buck is a necessary skill for politicians, and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav seems to have learnt his lessons well. At a recent “IAS Week” held in the state capital, Mr Yadav didn’t have very encouraging words for his babu audience. Apparently he blamed them for being unable to implement the welfare projects announced by his government and added that the Uttar Pradesh cadre officers were losing “respect” because of this.
Mr Yadav’s tarring the “UP biradari” may not be entirely accurate, considering that at present principal secretary to Prime Minister Pulok Chatterji, Cabinet secretary Ajit K. Seth, and DoPT secretary P.K. Misra among others are from the Uttar Pradesh cadre. But Mr Yadav’s stern gyan had an impact on some of the officers present on that occasion. Reportedly, the very next day, these officers met to discuss how to improve their image. However, there are some officers who believe that the allegation just means that politicians pass the buck for their own failings. Anyone willing to judge and tell us?
Foreign affairs
The ministry of external affairs (MEA) will see some big changes this year, beginning, of course, with the appointment of India’s new envoy to the UN. The present incumbent Hardeep Singh Puri’s extension ends next month though the buzz is that he will simply segue into his next task. Besides, decisions are also expected on positions of deputy permanent representative to the UN, deputy chief of mission in Washington and consul general in Toronto. The buzz is that Ashoke Kumar Mukherjee, special secretary in Delhi, is most likely to get Mr Puri’s job.
Also the MEA is going to have a new foreign secretary since Ranjan Mathai retires in July. There are several contenders for the top position, even if Hill watchers say that the job has lost some of its sheen in recent years. Among the names being talked about are India’s ambassador to Germany Sujatha Singh, ambassador to China S. Jaishankar and UK high commissioner Jaimini Bhagwati. But don’t hold your breath.
J’khand calling
In the prevailing political uncertainty in Jharkhand, which is now under the President’s rule, the Centre may appoint R.S. Sharma, director general of Unique Identification Authority of India, as the next chief secretary of the state. Sources say that only a formal notification remains to be issued, and Mr Sharma is likely to take charge once the present incumbent, S.K. Chaudhary, retires next week.
With the fall of the Arjun Munda government, the Centre is keen on placing officials with a good track record as advisers to Governor Syed Ahmed. One such adviser is former CRPF director-general K. Vijay Kumar, who has already reached Ranchi. Hopefully, Mr Sharma, a Jharkhand cadre IAS officer, will be joining him soon.
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