Controversial fires that destroy files; new secretariat building plans running

The crime branch has started an investigation into the fire that suddenly flamed inside one room in Secretariat. The issue is no quotidian since it was Minister P Rajeev’s private secretary’s room. Years back when the gold scam case reached its crescendo of allegations, a fire happened out of nowhere inside the secretariat. Major files went missing related to the gold scam case. The vigilance investigation still drools over the case with no end to judgment. Connecting the two incidents elicits doubt among many about the current circling AI camera case and the sudden fire inside the secretariat where confidential files are kept. Minister P Rajeev has meanwhile confirmed about no loss of files as he assured about adopting the e-file method long back. The fire happened inside the north sandwich block. At morning 7: 30, the office staff came inside to switch on the lights and AC. Within 30 mins, smoke started emanating from the AC box and it was all red blazing fire since.

The North sandwich block has withstood the test of time for over 100 years. It was previously named Puthenkachery but eventually got rechristened. Most of the wirings are now seen outside. Even computers were introduced into the building just a decade back. Albeit the alterations, the building is made to suit the olden ways and can t just go for a proper facelift adapting the modern needs. Short circuits and other such electrical fallouts are common these days in the historic building. Parking is also turning out to be concerning as employees swarm with vehicles to occupy their luxurious space. Such is the construction that opposes modern needs. Connecting the predicaments, a clarion call is reverberating for the need for a new secretariat building.

It is all for the Pinarayi government to decide on actions for a new building. When PM Modi called for a new parliament building, accusations, and contrarian voices trained guns at the government. Albeit the opposing clamors, PM Modi was determined to go the right way building a new parliament building, ergo clearing the leftover remnants of British India.

Kerala can follow suit. Even Telangana has created a secretariat building that makes one gape for hours. Kerala can build a new one laced with our heritage and culture. The need is imminent, and it is all for the government to decide.