In an unannounced and audacious move, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar conducted surprise visits to ministers’ offices on Tuesday, unearthing a concerning pattern of absenteeism among top government officials.
The chief minister’s unannounced tour of duty carried him to the hallowed halls of Vikas Bhavan (New Secretariat) and Visvesvaraya Bhawan (technical secretariat), both nestled on Bailey Road in the state capital.
Inside Vikas Bhavan, Kumar discovered that several ministers were conspicuously absent from their chambers. The list of notable absentees included Chandra Shekhar (Education), Alok Kumar Mehta (Sugarcane Industries), Samir Kumar Mahaseth (Industries), Sheela Kumari (Transport), and Kumar Sarvjeet (Agriculture). This revelation, which drew the ire of the CM, underscored the urgent need for rectification.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the state of attendance, Chief Minister Kumar issued strict directives mandating all ministers and government officials to occupy their respective offices by the punctilious hour of 9:30 am.
The CM’s arrival at Vikas Bhawan at precisely 9:30 am heralded a meticulous inspection. He meticulously scrutinized the chambers of ministers and senior officers, as well as the offices of key departments including Education, Health, Industry, Agriculture, Sugarcane Industries, Road Construction, Prohibition, and Excise & Registration. During this process, he inquired about the presence and punctuality of ministers, officers, and employees.
One noteworthy moment occurred when Chief Minister Kumar entered the chamber of the state Education minister, only to discover its emptiness. Reacting swiftly, he initiated a phone call to the minister, demanding an explanation for the delay in reaching the office.
Subsequently, Kumar proceeded to Visvesvaraya Bhawan, a multifaceted building that accommodates more than half a dozen departmental offices, such as the state planning board, rural works department, road construction department, and minor water resources department.
Addressing the press corps after scrutinizing the offices at Visvesvaraya Bhawan, Chief Minister Kumar declared, “I expect all officers to be seated at their respective posts by 9:30 am. Those found absent during my inspection will be subjected to immediate inquiries regarding their absence.”
He recalled his practice from 2008 to 2012-13 when he consistently began his day at the main secretariat by 9:30 am, and now, he has reaffirmed his commitment to regular inspections of government offices.
It is worth noting that on September 20, the Chief Minister conducted a similar inspection of the main secretariat, home to critical departments like Cabinet Secretariat, Home, General Administration, Finance, Planning and Development, as well as the offices of the chief secretary, development commissioner, and additional chief secretaries. During that visit, he expressed dissatisfaction with the absenteeism of officials but refrained from punitive action.
The government is now under the vigilant eye of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who remains resolute in his determination to ensure punctuality and accountability among his administration.
By PTI
