Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

Term of Swaminathan Commission extended again

By Our Special Correspondent

Chennai May 29. For the third time now, the term of the A.M.Swaminathan Commission set up to suggest staff and expenditure reforms, has been extended.

However, the commission which had assessed surplus staff and wasteful expenditure in about 120 government departments during its over one-and-a-half month term, has now been given a few fresh tasks.

According to a recent Government Order issued by the Finance department, the commission would now estimate vacancies as on April 1 and suggest modalities for shifting the already identified surplus staff to fill these vacancies. The commission would study the existing systems and procedures in the Secretariat here and suggest improvements. And, it would identify the staff requirement in the Secretariat with regard to improving the systems and procedures.

The one-man commission would have to present its report by June end.

After the AIADMK returned to power in May 2001, it decided to set up a commission to suggest ways and means of cutting down surplus staff and spiralling administrative expenditure. The retired IAS officer, Mr. Swaminathan, who was chosen for the task in November 2001, presented a report every month on each of the government departments.

Till now, it has submitted 16 voluminous reports with several recommendations. But, only two of his recommendations have been implemented and Government Orders issued. One, the merger of Social Reforms department with the Adidravidar Welfare department. And two, withdrawal of government cars for IAS officers and other officials other than the field officers. But, that recommendation too was implemented from the level of the Additional Secretaries and the top echelons of the officialdom continue to enjoy the privilege.

Official sources say the other recommendations of the commission were under the consideration of the Government.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Stalin men corner dt. secretary posts
• Police seek custodial interrogation of Azhagiri
• DVAC questions Veerasamy on `ransom payment'
• Issue of applications for medical courses from May 31
• School manual released
• Police apathetic to complaints
• HC stays kin move to demolish Giri house
• Constituent college principals to be made more accountable
• Term of Swaminathan Commission extended again
• SSLC mark lists to be released by this noon
• HC poser to Govt on doctors' plea
• Delimitation panel to hold sittings on June 17, 18

Copyright © 2003, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu