Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh
After reshuffling portfolios of its ministers, the Congress government is all set to make appointments on political posts in the coming days.
To be started in a phased manner, the appointments would include adjusting leaders in boards, corporations, improvement trusts and panchayati raj institutions. Some MLAs might also be adjusted, it is learnt.
Speaking to The Tribune, Congress incharge of Punjab affairs Asha Kumari said, “We are soon going for political appointments in a phased manner. The appointment of chairman of the market committees, zila parishads and panchayat samitis will also be taken up.” The approval for some political appointments like heads of improvements trusts had already been taken from Congress president Rahul Gandhi prior to the Lok Sabha elections, but these were delayed fearing dissent and its impact on party’s prospects in the polls.
“Since the elections are over, it is time to fulfil commitments made by the party leadership. The appointments should come through once the Chief Minister returns from his vacation in Himachal Pradesh,” said a senior PPCC leader.
Though nearly 114 positions in different government bodies are yet to be filled from among the party leaders, it is to be seen as to how the Chief Minister evaluates the performance of the intended beneficiaries in the Lok Sabha elections before doling out the appointments.
During the previous tenure of the Capt Amarinder Singh government from 2002-07, the appointments had come early. It has been two years now since the Congress government took charge, it is high time the appointments are made,” said a Cabinet minister.
Long delay leads to resentment
With the Congress in power for more than two years, resentment is brewing up among senior leaders due to delay in the appointments even as 13 former bureaucrats, including those who retired long ago, have already been “adjusted”.
