Ranjan’s term as chief secretary ends, gets ready for new role
Alok Ranjan, who demitted office as chief secretary following end of his term on Thursday, got set for his new role as chief advisor to chief minister saying his main task would now be to ensure that all the major development projects were completed by the deadline in October 2016.
Besides being chief advisor to chief minister, Ranjan, a 1978 batch IAS officer, will also work as chairman Project Management Group and chairman of Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Corporation.
“As chairman Project Management Group my main task will be to ensure timely completion of all the development projects. The Project Management Group constantly monitors implementation of about 22 major development projects. As chairman UPSIDC also I will continue to work on various development projects,” said Ranjan before handing over chief secretary’s charge to agriculture production commissioner Praveer Kumar.
“I will advise the state government on policy and development issues and oversee implementation of state government’s development agenda to ensure that pace of development is maintained in Uttar Pradesh,” said Ranjan.
Ranjan said chief minister Akhilesh Yadav gave him a free hand to work and he was able to deliver whatever was expected from him as chief secretary. About the challenges before the bureaucracy, Ranjan said the IAS officers ensure ensure that benefits of government schemes reached the people.
Later Ranjan was given a warm send off at Lal Bahadur Shastri Bhawan that houses the office of chief secretary. Ranjan, who would now have office on the ground floor of the same building, appeared emotional as he bid adieu to senior officers and employees of the state government.
Besides senior officers, including principal secretaries who had worked him for long, Ranjan’s family members were also present on the occasion.