Kolkata: Newly appointed chief secretary Manoj Agarwal on Tuesday promised a transparent, corruption-free administration and announced that the BJP government would begin implementing the promises made in the party's 'Sankalp Patra' within the first 100 days in office. Issuing a strong warning against corruption and administrative misconduct, Agarwal emphasized the new dispensation's commitment to building a clean and accountable administration.
Strict Action Against Corruption
"Yesterday, the chief minister clearly stated that he wants to establish a free, transparent, clean and corruption-free administration. I will conduct meetings at every level and ensure that this message reaches the entire bureaucracy. If anyone attempts to violate these directives, the strictest possible action will be taken against them," Agarwal said. He stressed that the administration's immediate priority would be to translate the BJP's electoral commitments into actionable policies.
Implementation of Sankalp Patra
"Within the next 100 days, the promises mentioned in the Sankalp Patra will be fulfilled by the government," he added. Agarwal identified education and healthcare as the two sectors that would receive top priority under the new government. However, he noted that a detailed assessment of the existing administrative set-up was necessary before specific policy measures could be announced.
Evaluation of Administration
"I have not been part of any government setup for the last four to five years, so my first task will be to evaluate the present condition of the administration. Only after that can we determine what can be implemented immediately and what needs to be carried out in phases," he explained. The chief secretary also sought to reassure the public that no existing welfare scheme or ongoing project would be discontinued under the new administration.
Appointment Based on Seniority
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari defended the appointment of Manoj Agarwal as chief secretary, stating that the 1990-batch IAS officer was chosen based on seniority. "He is not just a former CEO, he is also the senior-most additional chief secretary of the state. We, the government of BJP, are performing as per the law," Adhikari said. Earlier in the day, Trinamool MP Saugata Roy questioned the transparency behind the appointment. "I have nothing personal against him, but it is strange and surprising that the man who was in charge of conducting the elections and looking after the SIR has been made chief secretary," he remarked.
