Chief secretary reviews governance strategies
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 25 2025: Chief secretary Prashant Kumar (PK) Singh convened a high-level meeting with administrative secretaries and heads of departments (HoDs) on February 21, at the conference hall of the Old Secretariat, Imphal, to discuss key administrative issues and enhance governance.

The meeting followed a previous session held on January 27 .

According to the minutes of the meeting obtained by The People's Chronicle, one of the major discussions include procedures to be followed by state government departments in the light of the proclamation under Article 356 by the President of India.

Chief secretary reviews governance strategies

A presentation was made outlining the protocols required for state departments following assumption of all governmental functions in Manipur by the President, while administrative secretaries were specifically directed to adhere to procedures related to laying statutory rules, notifications, and orders before both houses of Parliament.

Additionally, they were asked to correspond closely with the ministries and departments concerned at the Centre for decision-making on matters connected to the business of the Manipur government.

In this regard, the Resident Commissioner at Manipur Bhawan in New Delhi was designated as the Coordinator for Manipur.

Administrative secretaries were advised to engage with the respective coordinating officers nominated at various central ministries and departments.

The government of India will be requested to share the details of nodal officers with the administrative secretaries of the state.

Furthermore, administrative secretaries were instructed to submit files concerning chairpersons appointed in various corporations, boards, and societies under their administrative control for further consideration and appropriate decisions.

The issue of migration in educational institutions for internally displaced students was another critical concern addressed during the meeting.

Despite previous interventions, complaints about migration remained unresolved.

The administrative secretary (Education) was tasked with addressing and resolving these grievances promptly to ensure displaced students' academic continuity.

The meeting also focused on reviewing the staffing of officials and staff at district and held offices.

Administrative secretaries were directed to ensure that their offices were adequately staffed so that government functions and services could be conducted effectively and efficiently.

Additionally, administrative secretaries were asked to provide lists of ongoing works, project sites, and other relevant activities under their department for inspection by the respective DCs, who would be responsible for submitting reports on their progress.

The administrative secretaries for health and education were also directed to propose intra-district transfers for necessary orders.

The importance of field visits was emphasised, with plans to launch an app specifically for monitoring field visits by administrative secretaries.

These visits will also involve monitoring staff attendance to ensure accountability at all administrative levels.

Addressing the operationalisation of normal logistics routes for essential commodities and general goods, the administrative secretaries of home and CAF&PD departments were instructed to take appropriate measures.

This process will be carried out in consultation with representatives from the chamber of commerce and other relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth movement of goods and essential supplies.

The meeting also discussed streamlining procedures and rules, particularly concerning legacy issues stemming from ambiguities and gaps in recruitment and service rules within engineering departments.

Administrative secretaries were advised to review these rules to eliminate ambiguity and enhance the functioning of departments.

The focus was on ensuring clarity, rationale, and mechanisms for improved administrative operations.

Additionally, the delegation of financial rules and non financial aspects of routine work will be reviewed to enhance departmental efficiency.

The need for mapping utility infrastructure was also highlighted.

Administrative secretaries were briefed on the importance of mapping utility networks, including water pipelines, sewage lines, gas and power lines, telecommunication wires, and fibre optic cables.

An initiative for surveying existing utility networks will soon be undertaken, with provisions for designating specific corridors along roads and within designated areas for the proper installation and maintenance of these services.

Representatives from BISAG will also be invited to promote the adoption of the Gati Shakti initiative for improved infrastructure planning.

The welfare of internally displaced persons (IDPs) was another focal point of the discussion.

The chief secretary encouraged departments to come up with innovative and holistic ideas to enhance living conditions in relief camps.

Suggestions included generating livelihood opportunities, addressing health and mental wellness issues, and improving the overall quality of life for IDPs.

Various departments were also encouraged to organise events, distribute necessary items, and actively engage with displaced persons to support their welfare.

The commissioner (law) informed the meeting that District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) would organise legal service camps and health camps at relief camps on March 22.Support from DCs and HoDs was sought to assist the DLSA in organising these camps effectively.

In a bid to promote public engagement and cultural activities, the administrative secretary (tourism) was directed to coordinate with departments such as art & culture and tribal affairs to organise small public events across the state.

During the meeting, the issue of a vandalised borewell drill machine, the only one available with the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), was brought to the attention of the chief secretary.

The department was advised to submit a proposal for acquiring a new drill machine to ensure the continuous supply of water in affected areas.

Concluding the meeting, chief secretary PK Singh emphasised the importance of efficient and effective administration, grassroots-level improvements, and enhanced coordination among government departments.

All administrative secretaries were instructed to implement the decisions made in the meeting without delay.