1000-1200 files arriving daily; nearly three lakh files pending; Snail's Pace file movement in secretariat

Tuesday 12 November, 2024 | 12:45 AM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The secretariat receives 1000-1200 files daily in 46 departments. As per the manual, an officer in a seat is allowed to hold a file for a maximum of five days. However, file movement is not taking place as per this pace. Due to this, around three lakh files are lying piled in the secretariat. This is also due to the infighting of some IAS officers.

It is also alleged that many of the IAS officers who are supposed to take strict action on file movement are not ready for it. Hence, the file settlement goes on indefinitely because the files get caught in several tiers. The settlement will get a little faster when there is pressure from the government, but it slows down again later. The file movement does not have enough speed even though the chief minister often reminds that every file is a life.

Most of the files reach the departments of education, local self-government and home. The files have to go through several tiers to be settled. The shortage of secretariat assistants is also affecting the file movement. In files related to the court, the disposal is delayed until the verdict or the court directive comes. The non-completion of the e-filing system is also an obstacle.

Several tiers in file movement

1.Files not through the Secretary (in three tiers).

Section Officer, any one of the officers from under secretary to special secretary, minister or chief minister

2.Files to be considered by the Cabinet (four tiers).

Any one of the officers from section officer, under secretary to special secretary, secretary, minister or chief minister

3. Files to be considered by the Chief Secretary (four tiers).

Section Officer, one of the officers from under secretary to special secretary, secretary, chief secretary

4.Files to be considered by the Secretary (three tiers).

Section Officer, one of the officers from under secretary to special secretary, secretary

Secretariat Assistants

(In the main departments, Approximate numbers)

GAD: 1200