Thiruvananthapuram, 09 Nov (H.S.):

Amid a series of administrative controversies and growing differences between ministers and senior bureaucrats, Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has convened a high-level meeting of government officials to review the functioning of various departments and strengthen coordination within the administration.

The meeting will be attended by Cabinet ministers, the Chief Secretary and departmental secretaries. It comes against the backdrop of several decisions taken by senior officials that have reportedly embarrassed the United Democratic Front (UDF) government.

This will be the first major meeting of senior bureaucrats following the recent large-scale reshuffle of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers undertaken by the government.

Sources indicated that the Chief Minister is expected to address concerns over administrative functioning and emphasise the need for greater accountability and coordination between ministers and departmental secretaries.

Differences between political executives and senior officials have reportedly persisted since the UDF government assumed office. These disagreements were among the factors that prompted the government to undertake the extensive bureaucratic reshuffle.

However, the transfers have also triggered dissatisfaction among sections of the bureaucracy, and the issue is likely to figure during the discussions.

The Chief Minister is expected to outline the policy changes and administrative priorities that departments must implement following the change in government.

The meeting will also review the progress of development projects and welfare programmes announced by the administration, besides examining delays in their implementation.

Particular emphasis is likely to be placed on ensuring the timely movement of files, expediting administrative approvals and removing procedural bottlenecks that have affected government functioning.

Satheesan is also expected to make it clear that effective coordination between ministers and senior bureaucrats is essential for implementing the government's development agenda.

The meeting assumes significance as the UDF government seeks to streamline administrative machinery, improve departmental performance and prevent further controversies arising from bureaucratic decisions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman