'Finishing State Division Work in 3 Months is a Record'

By VV Balakrishna

Published: 29th May 2014 08:10 AM

Last Updated: 29th May 2014 08:10 AM

HYDERABAD: Outgoing chief secretary PK Mohanty, who is retiring on June 1, is not interested in taking up a ‘paid post’ in the government but in teaching or working as an adviser to the government. He says he is satisfied that he has completed the state’s bifurcation work in a record span of three months. He admits that 10 to 20 per cent mistakes are possible in the division work but adds that they can be rectified in future. In an interview with
VV Balakrishna, the last chief secretary of the combined state speaks on a host of issues including the state’s bifurcation work.
Excerpts:
How is the bifurcation work progressing?
State’s division took seven years in UP, and one year and three months in MP. We have completed it in AP in just three months. This is because of the good work done by 21 sectoral committees. Despite elections and some unrest we have completed the work in such a short span of time. The reports of around 14 committees have been finalised. Some more will be finalised after the Appointed Day (June 2).
How is the cooperation from officers?
All the civil service officers have worked in a transparent manner. The State Reorganisation Cell too has worked in the best way. I thank all the officers.
How is the cooperation from employees?
All the employees have cooperated till now. And they should extend the same for one more month. There may be 10 to 20 per cent mistakes in the work but these can be rectified in future.
There are apprehensions among some state-cadre employees over allocation.
Some employees may have doubts. But, the allocation is not even provisional basis. We will issue only “order to serve”. The final allocation will take place only after June 2. Employees need not worry.
What steps are you taking to address their fears?
I am holding a meeting with all major unions of employees from AP and T regions at the Secretariat on May 29. I request the employees to take their table, chair and file. This is only an order to serve. Later, the two chief secretaries and the grievance cell will hear their problems, if any.
You are the last chief secretary of the United AP. How is your experience?
The bifurcation work is a Herculean task. But, we have completed it, which normally takes at least a year, in three months. I thank God for it. I underwent a lot of stress. Immediately after retirement, I will go to the Jagannath temple at Puri to thank God for the successful completion of the division work.
What are your plans for post-retirement life?
I will not take any paid post. I am interested in teaching or will continue as an adviser to government without taking money. I will try to establish a national institution of urban management (NIMU) in Hyderabad. I have authored some books on urban planning.