Efforts on to sort out IAS officers' issues: Oommen Chandy

HIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amidst reports of faction feud among IAS officers in Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today admitted in the assembly that there were differences in the outlook of some civil servants and efforts were on to sort out the issues.

Senior IAS officer and Vice-Chairman of State Planning Board K B Chandrasekher has been asked to intervene to settle the matter, Chandy said.

Stating that the situation was not alarming as reported in media, Chandy said civil servants have certain complaints and government was looking into it and find a solution.

Replying to a notice for an adjournment motion on the issue moved by CPI-M led LDF opposition members, Chandy denied the opposition charge that there were complete breakdown of administration due to IAS officers revolt.

"There is no administrative impasse and any legal problem involved", he said. There were differences in the approach on certain issues. But the matter was blown out of proportion by the media, he said.

Chandy also denied allegation against Chief Secretary E K Bharat Bhushan levelled by Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan that he had concealed details of assets from the government.

Seeking leave for the motion, Mathew T Thomas (JD-S) brought to the notice of the House that senior IAS officer Raju Narayanswamy had complained before IAS Association that he was being harassed by the Chief Secretary.

Thomas also said faction feud among IAS officers has tainted the image of civil service and state administration have come to a standstill.

Not satisfied with Chief Minister's reply, entire opposition members led by Achuthanandan walked out of the House.