Summary:
Chennai, Oct 26 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sought details on welfare schemes, bringing back the focus on DMK"s protest against his predecessor when it was in opposition, over review meetings and tours, while the government said it was a usual practice which should not be politicised.
The DMK, now in the ruling saddle, said getting to know about welfare schemes is nothing wrong, while its major ally, the Congress, dubbed the move as not in sync with convention and hence wrong.
Chief Secretary V Irai Anbu, who had earlier written to various heads of departments in this regard, averred it was a "usual administrative process" and that it was "not proper to make it a subject of political controversy." Government sources here indicated on Tuesday that Governor Ravi has sought to know about the functioning of departments and ongoing welfare schemes of both the state and as well as the Centre.
In a letter to heads of departments, Irai Anbu said the Governor, "wishes to know about the functioning of certain departments in the state and its ongoing welfare schemes of both the state as well as the union government." The Chief Secretary requested the heads to be prepared to apprise the Governor, "about your department"s ongoing welfare schemes of both the state and the union government." A power point presentation may also be prepared for the purpose and it is to be discussed before the presentation.
"The date and time will be intimated soon," the letter dated October 18 said.
Government sources indicated the letter has been sent to department heads which was only a routine official exercise, while Raj Bhavan sources declined to make a comment saying it is "confidential." The letter from the Chief Secretary to the department heads assumes significance as the DMK, when it was in the opposition (2016-21) had staunchly opposed former Governor Banwarilal Purohit"s meetings with officials to review schemes and his tour of districts.