17 more appointed as Minister Ganesh Kumar's personal staff, CPM leader to be his additional private secretary

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Seventeen more people have been appointed as personal staff of Minister Ganesh Kumar. A PS and driver were appointed before. CPM leader AP Rajeevan who was Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's PA has been appointed as Additional Private Secretary and KSRTC Executive Director (Vigilance) G Anil Kumar as Assistant Private Secretary.

Most of them are from Kollam, the minister's home district. Shyam Kumar, zoology teacher R Ranjith were appointed as additional private secretaries and V Deepa, joint secretary in the secretariat, Sarath Kumar, clerical assistant and Dr Sharon Varghese as assistant secretaries. Six government officials, including a higher secondary teacher, came on deputation. The Public Administration Department issued an order in this regard yesterday.

Ganesh Kumar had earlier said that considering the financial crisis of Kerala, the number of staff will be reduced.

Former transport minister Antony Raju had 21 members in his personal staff. After two and a half years, they became eligible for pension benefit.