Guv asks PCS officers to focus on good governance

Naik asks officers to ensure free and fair assembly polls

LUCKNOW: Governor Ram Naik said on Sunday that officers should focus on good governance and ensure that the common man received the benefits of government’s policies and schemes.

Addressing the annual general meeting of the PCS Association at Lok Bhawan here, Naik said the chief minister had assured the officers that their pending demands would be fulfilled.

“If any issue remains pending, I will ensure it gets solved on priority,” he said.

Urging the officers to gear up for assembly polls, he said: “Elections are likely to be held within two-three months. The administrative officers have an important role. They should take a vow that they will conduct free and fair polls. They should make sure that voters exercise their right to franchise.”

“In the past, elections used to be a routine affair. Former chief election commissioner TN Seshan brought changes in the working of the Election Commission and poll officers realised their power. People all over the world keep a watch on elections in India,” Naik said.

The governor said there should be transparency in polling and people in far-flung areas should exercise their franchise without any fear.

“The AGM of PCS Association is being held after a gap of nine years. The office-bearers have played an important role in the revival of the association. Newly-elected office-bearers should ensure smooth working of the association,” he said.

Recalling his political journey, Naik said: “After completing graduation in commerce, I joined the accountant’s office as a clerk in Mumbai. Later, I joined politics and was elected MLA thrice and a Lok Sabha member five times. I got an opportunity to work with the administrative service officers.”

“IAS and IPS officers are intelligent people. During their AGM, they ensure lunch from the CM and dinner from the governor. Entertainment programmes are also organised during the annual conclave. But there is no such arrangement for PCS officers,” he said.

General secretary of PCS Association Pawan Gangwar said, “The governor used to invite PCS officers undergoing training at Nainital for high-tea. The practice has been stopped since long.” He urged the governor to revive the practice to which the governor said the doors of the Raj Bhawan were open for them.

› In the past, elections used to be a routine affair. Former chief election commissioner TN Seshan brought changes in the working of the Election Commission and poll officers realised their power. People all over the world keep a watch on elections in India RAM NAIK, UP governor