Former Member of Parliament and Puducherry Maanila Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Ramadass has expressed dismay over a recent remark purportedly made by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy about IAS officers, saying they come to Puducherry “to enjoy themselves.”

In a statement, he said no IAS officer comes to Puducherry out of choice. They are posted in accordance with the rules of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for responsibly and efficiently implementing lawful decisions taken by the Council of Ministers and the Lieutenant Governor.

A video clip showed the Chief Minister making these remarks about IAS officers when TVK legislator A.K. Sai J. Saravanan Kumar met him in his cabin a few days ago to submit a representation on the delay in the distribution of uniforms to schoolchildren.

“If the decisions are found to be contrary to law or scheme guidelines, it is the duty of IAS officers to point out such irregularities and return the files for reconsideration. If officers approve unlawful decisions, they themselves may be held accountable and face disciplinary action. Therefore, no honest officer will support actions that violate the law,” Mr. Ramadass said.

Blaming officers to “conceal” administrative shortcomings and failures was “unacceptable,” he said, adding that the welfare of the people and the development of a State could be ensured only when Ministers and IAS officers work together with mutual trust and a spirit of cooperation.

“Since the advent of the so-called ‘double engine’ government, commercialisation of politics has increased in Puducherry. Those who have entered politics with various business interests often seek to use political power for personal gain. Many irregularities have been prevented precisely because IAS officers posted to Puducherry have acted with integrity. Also, many of the schemes that the Chief Minister proudly highlights were implemented by these officers. The Chief Minister cannot point out any instance of dereliction of duty by the officers in implementing the welfare schemes mooted by the Council of Ministers,” he claimed. 

The former MP said a full Cabinet was formed more than a month after the Chief Minister assumed office. Had the Chief Minister appointed an Education Minister on the very same day he assumed office on May 13, issues could have been sorted out. Moreover, till now, the Education Department functions without a Director, the economist-turned-politician said.

“How can the Education Department function effectively without a Director? What connection does this issue have with IAS officers?” he asked.