Arunachal guv seeks biometric attendance in govt offices

On a day Arunachal Pradesh governor J P Rajkhowa submitted to the Supreme Court, in a sealed cover, his reports to the central government on the political crisis in the state, he also went about tightening the administration by instructing officials to ensure good governance.

He has ordered installation of biometric attendance systems in all government offices to keep tabs on attendance of government employees. Acting on the order, the civil administration even seized files from the offices and residences of all ministers and parliamentary secretaries of the state, including the office of the Chief Minister.

According to sources, the Centre appointed advisor to governor, Y S Dadwal, former Delhi Police Commissioner, called on the governor at Raj Bhavan on Thursday. The governor instructed Dadwal, to take immediate steps to ensure rule of law, and maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the state. He also asked him to take utmost care to safeguard the interest of the common people.

“No person should be allowed to take law into his hands and no nuisance should be tolerated. Law breakers should be dealt with a firm hand,” the governor apparently told a meeting at the Raj Bhavan, the sources added.

The governor has sought full attendance in all government offices to fast-track development work, sources said.He has also directed that in every government office, one official should be designated to ensure proper despatch of government files and send a daily status report to higher-ups, the sources said.

Later in the day, the governor had separate meetings with chief secretary Ramesh Negi, principal secretary finance Satya Gopal and Secretary Law Onit Panyang to keep himself abreast of the administrative and financial status of the State. The officers briefed the governor on various departments and suggested necessary corrective steps.