15 lakh lives in limbo: Secretariat drowning in lakhs of backlogged files

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There are currently approximately 15 lakh files lying idle in the secretariat, specifically 14,78,000 files, all related to people's issues. The backlog of files has accumulated due to various file processing operations, with no certainty regarding resolution.

Departments such as Revenue, Health, Police, Local Self-Government, Public Education, Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, Higher Education and Public Administration have the highest number of files.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with Ministers K. Radhakrishnan, M.B. Rajesh, Veena George and R. Bindu, are lagging behind in processing the files. Other ministers' offices also have significant backlogs.

File browsing was slow as ministers' offices and staff were preoccupied with preparations for the Nava Kerala Sadas. With the implementation of the Election Code of Conduct, attention to files also waned. Even files related to appointments, transfers etc. which were exempted by the Election Commission, remain stagnant. Additionally, due to holidays for educational institutions, a large number of staff were on leave for tours and other reasons.

During the elections, ministers were assigned responsibilities for each district neglecting the secretariat office. While staff, including secretaries, reported to the office, there was minimal progress in file movement.

Apart from the Chief Minister, Ministers KN Balagopal, Mohammad Riaz, MB Rajesh, K. Radhakrishnan and others resumed office on Monday. As today is a public holiday, the cabinet meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. It has been reported that the Chief Minister instructed the Chief Secretary to organize a fair to expedite the clearance of pending files.